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Tomball, TX Area Guide

This “Hometown with a Heart” is located just northwest of Huston and has a population of just under 10,000 citizens. Tomball is a town strong with community and kinship and remains a small town despite its continuing growth and development. Residents of this Texas Township comment that the larger Tomball grows, the more it seems like a small town.

Transportation in the greater Tomball area is dominated by George Bush Intercontinental Airport (which lies about 20 miles from Tomball), two freeways two tollways and an extensive mass transit system. As a result, needs stemming from business, commuting and personal travel are well served.

Tomball, TX History
(The following information on Tomball’s history has been sourced from: http://www.tomball.com/about/about_history.php.)

The area that is now Tomball, Texas was originally settled by German and European settlers in the early 1800s. The land now known as historic Downtown Tomball was originally granted to William Hurd in 1838. Settlers came to Tomball mainly to promote agricultural activities, lured by its peaceful streams, its rolling pastures and beautiful pine trees.

In 1906 the area became the town of Peck, Texas. Shortly after, in 1907, the community’s name was given in honor of State Senator Thomas Henry Ball in 1907 because of his influence in establishing Tomball as a railroad center for the transport of agricultural products.

An oil boom hit Tomball when a 100 foot gusher was brought in during 1933, attracting hundreds of new residents. The Humble Oil & Refining Co. found Oil in Tomball. As a result, Tomball became known as "Oil Town USA," and the citizens benefitted from an unusual deal with the oil drilling company, local residents received free natural gas for over 50 years in exchange for exclusive rights to drill within the city.

Functioning as a commercial center for a large portion of Houston’s rapidly growing northwest quadrant, the Tomball area has developed a strong economic base: Compaq Computer Corporation, Kwik Kopy Corporation, Friendswood Development, BJ Services and many other companies. Today Tomball is known for its small town atmosphere and as a peaceful home to thousands who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Houston.

Tomball, TX Parks & Recreation
(The following information on Tomball’s parks and recreations has been directly sourced from: http://www.ci.tomball.tx.us/departments/parks_recreation/index.html. To learn more, please click on the link listed above.)

Juergens Park
• A Large Lighted Pavilion - The pavilion measures 60x100. It has electricity and a large barbeque pit. There are 40 large picnic tables under this covered area, which can seat up to 10 people per table. This facility is wheelchair accessible. Juergens Park pavilion may be reserved; a non-refundable rental fee of $50 and a refundable security/cleaning deposit of $50, payable in separate checks, along with a completed application and verification that you understand the park rules and regulations, are required to confirm a reservation. Please call the Public Works Department at (281) 290-1400, to check for availability of the date desired.
• A half-mile walking track – The track has an asphalt surface and is grass and root free.
• Playgrounds – The park has two playgrounds. There are four water fountains within the areas.
• Basketball Court – The basketball court is a half size court, but not lighted.
• Volleyball Court – The volleyball court is a regulation size court, made of sand.
• Picnic Areas - These areas have tables and barbeque pits. They are all within site of the playgrounds. There are also two wheelchair accessible tables.
• Restrooms – The Public Works Department cleans and maintains the restroom daily.
There is plenty of room to relax in the lush grass under the many shade trees

Matheson Park
The park was named after the late Tomball City Councilmember Jerry Matheson.
The park features:
• A large interactive Playground area – The playground is split into two separate areas; one area is specifically for toddlers with a sand box and a nice shaded area for adults to sit and relax while supervising their children, and the other for the older children, not far away. There are several shaded areas around the playground and one with (3) three picnic tables under a small cover.
• A Swimming Pool – The pool is a full facility with restroom, water fountains, and showers.

M.L.K., Jr. Park
Basketball Courts – The courts are full scale, fenced, covered and lighted.
Playground – The playground area has a picnic table and barbeque pit. A restroom is nearby, and cleaned and maintained daily by the Public Works Department.

Theis Attaway Park
• Grassy Amphitheater – The small amphitheater is near the front of the park and overlooks the natural pond. The seating area is three stone rows and a little stage area for small entertaining groups. Great for maybe an awards ceremony for a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troop.
• Walking Trails – The 6” wide asphalt-walking trail is focused around preserved wetlands. It is a nice, shady stroll averaging about ¼ mile from start to finish. About half way through the walk are (2) two-nice shaded picnic areas, perfect for a little break with (5) five benches for rest stops along the way.
• Pond - The pond has a walkout pier and makes fishing easier, or just take time to watch the ducks swimming.
• Bird/Wildlife Observation Blind – This blind is built overlooking the fishpond and has many wooden box birdhouses surrounding it.
• Restrooms – The park has nice clean restrooms, cleaned daily by the Public Works Department and water fountains close by.

For a complete list of parks in Tomball, TX please click here: http://www.ci.tomball.tx.us/departments/parks_recreation/index.html

Tomball, TX Local Events
(The following information on Tomball’s events has been directly sourced from: http://festivalsandevents.com/featurefestival.php?lid=3446. To learn more, please visit the individual event sites listed below.)

German Heritage Festival
http://www.tomballsistercity.org/
March 27, 2009 To March 29, 2009
German Festival celebrating German heritage on the Downtown streets of Tomball with carnival, 4 stages of live music and dancing, food, beer, kids area, 120 vendors, arts crafts, antique district, heritage center, German church, fireworks, and much more

Spring Festival
http://www.boysandgirlscountry.org/site3.aspx
Spring Festival is a fun event for children and adults and will bring 2,500 people to Boys & Girls Country on May 3rd. There will be numerous activities for children and great entertainment, food, and auctions for the adults. The event raises much needed dollars to support our work in providing over 100 children annually with a Home.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary National Adopt-a-thon Festival
http://www.noahs-ark-sanctuary.org/
Noah's Ark is treaming with Doris Day's North Shore Animal League to hold a National Adopt-a-thon Festival. Come enjoy a plate of BBQ along with cotton candy and popcorn. There will be a moonwalk, dog grooming, dog training, dog/owner look-a-like contest, best dressed pet contest. silent auction, raffle and many other booths to enjoy visiting. Music and entertainment will be provided by John Prince with Entertainment Tonight.

High Octane Car Show
http://www.salem4u.com
Father's Day Family Festival and High Octane Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Tractor Show. Kid games, barbecue, competition games, a "manly" event! Come for worship at 9 or 10:30 a.m. for a special High Octane: What Drives A Man message with real men of genius out-takes! Bring the family for an afternoon of fun and games!

For the events calendar please click here: http://www.chambermaster.com/directory/events.jsp?ccid=155

Tomball, TX Attractions
(The following list of Tomball’s attractions has been directly sourced from their individual websites. To learn more about a certain attraction, please click on the link listed below the attraction’s title.)

The Regional Arts Council
http://www.regional-arts.org
The Regional Arts Council (TRAC) had its beginning in a single event, a performance of the Houston Symphony Chamber Orchestra on February 21, 1987. Following the concert, the musicians were enthusiastic regarding performing in Tomball. Application was made to the Texas Commission on the Arts to become an “Approved Presenter” on the Texas Touring Program for the 1987-1988 seasons. On the strength of its success and demonstrated community support, The Regional Arts Council received “Presenter” status. TRAC’s inaugural season included classical guitar of Javier Calderon, the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra, Texas Opera Theater’s “Amadeus Conducts Mozart,” and a return of the Houston Symphony Chamber Orchestra. During the first season, TRAC directly served 1,000 members of the community.

Air Texas Balloon Adventures
http://www.airtexasballoon.com

Air Texas Balloon Adventures is located in Houston, Tx, what others may refer to as Space City. We fly year-round, weather permitting, throughout the local area.

Mr. Doug Watson, our chief pilot, has over 25 years of aeronautical experience with hundreds of hours of safe "Pilot In Command" time flying many different types of aircraft. Our support crew is composed of highly experienced individuals, trained in balloon operations, that are eager to make your flight enjoyable and answer all of your questions.

Air Texas Balloon Adventures uses Cameron and Balloon Works equipment. Both of these balloons are manufactured in the U.S. All of our balloons are inspected on a regular schedule as per Federal Aviation Administration maintenance rules and regulations. The baskets are capable of holding up to five passengers. We take great pride in our business and will strive to make your flight one of the most exciting adventures you will ever discover.

For the official Tomball, TX website, please click here: http://www.ci.tomball.tx.us