WARD COUNTY
County Offices
400 South Allen
Monahans 432-943-3200
www.co.ward.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
401 South Dwight Avenue
Monahans 432-943-2187
www.monahans.org
Covering 835 miles of West Texas desert grassland, Ward County features the City of Monahans as the leading community and seat of government. Economic mainstays in this rural area include oil and gas, sand and gravel, beef cattle, horses, goats, cotton and alfalfa. Major highways serving the area include Interstate 20 and State Highways 18, 115, and 329. Midland International Airport serves the entire Midland/Odessa region with full service commercial service to national and worldwide hubs.
Services
Residents of Ward County can meet many of their routine and primary healthcare needs close to home at Ward Memorial Hospital in Monahans. With more than 100 employees, the hospital maintains the slogan, “Neighbors caring for neighbors.” One of the most respected rural hospitals in far West Texas, Ward Memorial maintains a Critical Access designation with expertise in diagnosing patients who arrive at the emergency room or the Sandhills Family Clinic. When indicated, Ward Memorial transfers patients via ambulance, airlift, or personal transportation to a referring facility. For issues that can be treated locally, the hospital provides comprehensive in-patient care supported by professionals in laboratory, radiology, respiratory, and pharmacy. Outpatient and same-day surgical services are also available, in addition to long-term care for rehabilitating patients. The Midland/Odessa region is hub for state-of-the-art healthcare facilities with nationally recognized specialties: Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Midland Memorial Hospital, and Odessa Regional Medical Center.
Quality educational opportunities begin with two outstanding independent school districts: Grandfalls-Royalty and Monahans-Wickett-Pyote. The latter consistently earns an Exemplary designation by the Texas Education Agency and provides a wide range of academic and extra-curricular programs. Seven campuses provide supporting facilities that include auditoriums, gymnasiums, a swimming pool, and band halls. The district also meets special needs with transportation, occupational/physical therapy, and educational diagnosticians. Opportunities for post-secondary education are exceptionally rich in the Midland/Odessa region, including the two-year institutions of Howard College in Big Spring, Odessa College and Midland College; the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of the Permian Basin; and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin—consistently ranked as Top Tier by U.S. News & World Report.
Lifestyle
Ward County residents enjoy the friendliness of small-town living within a reasonable distance from the urban advantages of Odessa and Midland. Sandhills State Park is the crown jewel of recreational amenities, combining thousands of acres of sand dunes with 40,000 acres of miniature Harvard Oak trees. Ideally located off Interstate 20 outside of Monahans, the park supports a wide variety of outdoor activities including nature study, picnicking, camping, and sand surfing. The onsite museum and interpretive center displays explain the area’s botanical, archeological, historical, and geological features. The park is a home to a variety of endangered and threatened species, adding to its value for naturalists. Ward County features other unique attractions like the Million Barrel Museum, a site that also preserves the restored Holman House, the 1928 Monahans jail, and turn-the-century farm, oil and railroad equipment. The Pyote Rattlesnake Bomber Base Museum displays the history of a former Air Force training base for B-17 bombers during World War II.
Community spirit runs high in Ward County, from attendance at high school athletic events to enthusiastic participation in annual events like the Butterfield Stage Coach, the Wagon Festival, and July 4th Freedom Fest. Those who appreciate the arts and culture will discover a kaleidoscope of performing and visual art venues and organizations within the Midland/Odessa region, including Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center on the University of Texas campus in Odessa. This architecturally dazzling venue showcases the finest of symphony, ballet, opera, theatre, Broadway shows, and national headliners. Odessa is also home to Permian Playhouse, the Globe of the Great Southwest theatre, and historic Ector Theatre. The Midland/Odessa region is also rich in opportunities to cheer on collegiate and professional sports teams. Options for day trips are abundant including St. Genevieve Winery, Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Cavern National Park in New Mexico, and Balmorhea State Recreational Area. Blending small-town pleasures with a rare quality of life, Ward County is an ideal place to call home.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Monahans
City Offices
432-943-4343
www.cityofmonahans.org
Chamber of Commerce
432-943-2187
www.monahans.org
Modest in population but brimming over with urban advantages, the county seat and leading city of Monahans is home to a community hospital, quality schools, and wonderful recreational facilities. Sandhills State Park, unique museums, a swimming pool, lush parks, and a municipal golf course are just a few of the family friendly advantages. Eateries, cafes, and restaurants offer fare from fast food to local cuisine while friendly local businesses and services meet every need close to home. Monahans has built a reputation as the center of the Permian Basin, the vast section of West Texas and eastern New Mexico known for oil and gas production. The community is also well known for some of the finest quality water in Texas and an excellent school system. Residents enjoy an ideal location just 30 minutes from expanded urban amenities in Odessa and 45 minutes from Midland International Airport.
