Four years ago, Heritage Place was little more than the City of Conroe’s oldest park. When the City launched its Free Concert Series in the park in 2001, bands played on a flatbed stage, and a crowd gathered around to listen despite the often intense heat -- music lovers caught out in the Texas sun just before it disappears for the evening, enjoying what can truly be described as “roots music”: a new kind of American sound steeped in a rich tradition of country, blues and gospel. In 2002, the park on Collins Street became the subject of a controversial make-over when city fathers voted to spend just over two million bucks to make Heritage Place into an outdoor entertainment complex; included in the package was a large amphitheatre stage, beautifully-sculpted shrubbery and shade trees, tranquil liquid fountains, clean restrooms and vendors facilities, a gazebo and a grassy hill perfect for laying out on a blanket and listening to live music. Heritage Place has proven itself in the long run to be a winner for Downtown Conroe -- playing host to a fifth season of free summer concerts which, along with the series of “Sounds Of Texas” concerts held each year at the Crighton Theatre, has become one of our hometown’s most anticipated ongoing annual entertainment events.