Carl Barton Jr. Park Is Conroe's Big Sports-and-Pond Park

Carl Barton Jr. Park went in along South Loop 336 in two phases across 1999 and 2000, named for a former Conroe mayor. That spot on the loop makes it the go-to green space for the east and southeast side of town.

It's a deep bench of amenities: fishing ponds, pavilions, pickleball, basketball, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, an accessible playground, a fitness course, public art, picnic areas, multi-purpose trails, and a separate jogging and walking loop.

So it's not only a place league families show up on Saturdays. It works just as well for a weekday walk, meeting relatives under a pavilion, turning kids loose on the playground, or sitting by a pond with a line in the water — all without leaving Conroe. The pavilions and fields can be reserved through Conroe Parks, which is worth doing before a big group day.