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Residents and visitors enjoy the diversity of lifestyles found in the East Montgomery County area. The moderate climate, natural resources of parks and nearby lakes, as well as the gulf coast enhance year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Close proximity to the cultural and social amenities of the City of Houston, as well as the recreational opportunities of Lake Conoe, Lake Houston and Lake Livingston, provide area residents with a wide range of opportunities.
Health Care The area has strong medical services. Kingwood Medical Center and its associated operations comprise the largest medical entity in the area. Northeast Medical Center in Humble, and Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Cleveland also serve area citizens. The East Montgomery County Community Clinic in Splendora sees patients seven days a week.
Education Three highly respected independent school districts provide public school education – New Caney ISD, Splendora ISD, and the Caney Creek feeder zone of Conroe ISD. Higher education opportunities are available through Kingwood College, Montgomery College, North Harris College, and the University Center, all part of the Lone Star College System (formally North Harris Montgomery Community College District (NHMCCD)). All four of these higher education campuses are within easy driving distance of the area. Each of the educational institutions are growing and responding to the needs of that growth by expanding their facilities. The campuses of the Lone Star College System are continuing to grow, with record enrollment experienced during fall 2005. New Caney voters passed a $48 million bond referendum in 2004 to meet their increased student capacities. Splendora ISD is also planning for the future, with a facilities study committee determining the direction the district should take for the next several years. Conroe ISD voters passed a $280 million bond referendum in 2004 to keep up with its growth. All area public schools are conscious of the challenges and future demands that come with growth and are planning today to meet those demands. Students in the area can also attend private schools as well as home schooling. As the East Montgomery County area continues to grow, the need for additional school facilities will need to be addressed once again. Each of the three school districts recognize both the need for the highest quality curriculum, as well as providing an environment conducive to learning. The Chamber has consistently supported these initiatives. The Academy of Lifelong Learning, associated with Kingwood College and housed at the EMCID complex, is open to adults age 50 and older. An annual membership fee of $10 allows members to attend unlimited classes and programs. ALL membership continues to increase and stands at over 600 today. The Mission, a local community non-profit agency, offers GED classes as well as English as a Second Language classes to area citizens. We are very proud of each of our educational institutions.
Recreation
In August 2006, ownership of the 4,919.5 acre Lake Houston State Park was transferred to the City of Houston and is now operated as one of its city parks in cooperation with Montgomery County Precinct 4. A master plan is currently being written to develop the park as a major tourist attraction, as well as a park local and regional citizens enjoy.
The area has several health clubs and exercise facilities to help citizens maintain a healthy lifestyle. The proximity to Houston affords citizens easy access to additional opportunities within the city and surrounding region. There are several recreational vehicle parks that accommodate RV’s and travel trailers.
Montgomery County actively supports youth sports programs and provides numerous fields for their leagues. Additional fields have been built at the Splendora complex, and a complete new baseball/softball park is being built in New Caney. The existing baseball fields at Sallas Park will be converted to football and soccer fields.
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