Round Rocker: Parks and Recreation 411

Parks Develoment Updates Issue #6

Roger Heaney — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:52:00 GMT

Play for All Abilities Park - Project Complete (March 2012)
Now open!

Rock Hollow Park - Project Complete (March 2012)
Now open!

Buck Egger Park - Project Complete
Opening in April!

Somerset Park
Status: Construction (90% Complete)
Est. Completion: March 2012
Park Amenities: renovation of playground, concrete trail, shade structure, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains) and possible basketball court

Current Project Progress
Playground equipment installed, 95% of sidewalk installed, pavilion installed, basketball court 95% complete
Need to install site furnishings, playground surfacing, surface basketball court, and finish remaining sidewalk

Chisholm Valley Park
Status: Construction (90% complete)
Est. Completion: March 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, shade structure, +/- ½ mile of concrete trail, multipurpose rec field, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains), trees

Current Project Progress
Playground area 95% complete, concrete sidewalks 95% complete, decomposed granite trail is based, multipurpose field is graded, pavilion is installed
Need to pour concrete curbs and install decomposed granite trail, install playground surfacing, site furnishings, install masonry columns on pavilion

Rabb House Redevelopment Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Design - Spring 2012

Park Amenities: design and construction documents for the redevelopment of Rabb House (damaged in September 2010 flood)

Current Project Progress
Conceptual Master Plan is completed, will be presented to City Council on April 10th

OSPV Reuse Water Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Summer 2012

Park Amenities: removal/replacement of existing irrigation system valves, heads, etc. to comply with reuse water requirements. Renovation of existing irrigation system at Lakeview Pavilion area, Football Complex, Cricket Field, etc.

Current Project Progress
Utility Dept. to start mainline work and point of connections in April
Compliance repairs and time sensitive renovations tentatively scheduled for late Spring 2012
Major renovations tentatively scheduled for June/July 2012

Kensington Greenbelt Improvement Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Design - May 2012
Construction – September 2012

Park Amenities: replacement of existing trail, playground, site furnishings and addition of pavilion structure

Mesa Village Improvement Project
Status: Planning
Est. Completion: Design – May 2012
Construction – October 2012

Park Amenities: replace existing asphalt trail with decomposed granite, replace existing pavilion, and improvements to existing multipurpose field

Brushy Creek Regional Trail Gap Project
Status: Design and Right-of-Way Acquisition
Est. Completion: Spring 2013

Park Amenities: +/- 2.5 miles of Brushy Creek Trail from Sonoma subdivision, across Brushy Creek, connecting to Rabb Park and AW Grimes Blvd multi-use path. Also connects to Greater Lake Creek Trail totaling approx. 7 miles.

Current Project Progress
R.O.W. acquisition negotiations on-going
Surveying and environmental review on-going

Play for All Abilities Park - January 2012 Update

Roger Heaney — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:43:00 GMT

Status: Under Construction (85% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

The Play for All Abilities Park is on schedule to open to the public February 2012 with a Grand Opening Celebration. More information on the Grand Opening event will be available soon! The park has a new official address: 150 N. A.W Grimes Blvd. Round Rock, Texas 78664.

Park Amenities: park for children and adults of all abilities, including Large Playscape Pod, Retreat Pod, Rock Band Pod, Sensory Pod, Swing Area, and Village Pod. Each pod was designed specifically with children with disabilities in mind to ensure the pods offered valuable developmental, social, and recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.

Current Project Progress:

90% of concrete work is completed
Playground equipment for Large Playscape Pod, Sensory Play Pod, and Swing Area is installed
Poured-in-place surfacing to be installed
Trees planted
Fence installation to start January

Parks Development Updates Issue #5

Roger Heaney — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:25:00 GMT

Settlement Park: Project completed.
Take a look at the completed project:

Play for All Abilities Park
Status: Under Construction (70% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: park for children and adults of all abilities, including Large Playscape Pod, Retreat Pod, Rock Band Pod, Sensory Pod, Swing Area, and Village Pod. Each pod was designed specifically with children with disabilities in mind to ensure the pods offered valuable developmental, social, and recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.

Current Project Progress:

90% of concrete work is completed
Playground equipment for Large Playscape Pod, Sensory Play Pod, and Swing Area is installed
Poured-in-place surfacing to be installed in mid-December
Trees to be planted mid-December
Fence installation to start late December

Buck Egger Park
Status: Construction (50% complete)
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: parking lot, synthetic turf multipurpose field, and grass multipurpose field

Current Project Progress:

Parking lot and sidewalk complete
Chemical stabilization near completion
Synthetic turf field scheduled to be completed by end of year
Natural grass field scheduled to be completed by mid-January

Rock Hollow Park
Status: Construction (80% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: +/- ½ mile of concrete trail replacing existing asphalt trail, ADA accessibility improvements

Current Project Progress:

Approx. 80% of concrete trail installed
Construction should be complete by Christmas
Tree planting tentatively scheduled for January

Clay Madsen Recreation Center
Check out the final improvements to the center:

Municipal Office Complex (MOC) Plaza
Status: Under Design (delayed due to re-design of Brown/Florence Street Improvements)
Est. Completion: Design – November 2011
Construction – August/September 2012

Park Amenities: concrete plaza, performance lawn, areas designed for street festivals, “pillars of the community”, secondary performance stage/shade structure, amphitheater overlook/bat viewing area, improvements to amphitheater, electrical system for street festivals, landscape areas, Brown/Florence Street Improvements, MOC parking lot improvements

Current Project Progress:

95% plans completed, awaiting re-design of Brown/Florence Street
TCEQ WPAP revision to be submitted in January/February timeframe, 3-4 month review

Rabb Park/Brushy Creek Trail Restroom Building
Status: Construction
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: Building with 3 unisex, accessible restrooms

Current Project Progress:

Site utilities installed
MEP rough-in complete
Slab to be poured next week

OSPV Triple Crown Complex Restroom Building
Status: Construction
Est. Completion: Design – October 2011
Construction – January 2012

Park Amenities: 4-6 stall restroom building, site utilities and sidewalks

Current Project Progress:

Contract awarded by City Council on November 22nd
Construction to start mid-December

Memorial Park Bridge Repair
Status: Construction (75% complete)
Est. Completion: December 2011

Park Amenities: Repair 100’ pedestrian bridge crossing Brushy Creek that was damaged in September 2010 flood

Current Project Progress:

Steel beams and railings have been replaced
Finish welding to be complete next week
Decking to be installed over next two weeks

Somerset Park
Status: Construction (10% Complete)
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, concrete trail, shade structure, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains) and possible basketball court

Current Project Progress:

Demolition and removal of all existing amenities is complete
Rough grading work underway

Chisholm Valley Park
Status: Construction (15% complete)
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, shade structure, +/- ½ mile of concrete trail, multipurpose rec field, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains), trees

Current Project Progress:

Demolition and removal of existing amenities complete
Rough grading is underway

Rabb House Redevelopment Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Design - Spring 2012

Park Amenities: design and construction documents for the redevelopment of Rabb House (damaged in September 2010 flood)

Current Project Progress:

Architectural agreement finalized and to be authorized at January 12th City Council Meeting

OSPV Reuse Water Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Spring 2012

Park Amenities: removal/replacement of existing irrigation system valves, heads, etc. to comply with reuse water requirements. Renovation of existing irrigation system at Lakeview Pavilion area, Football Complex, Cricket Field, etc.

Current Project Progress:

Utility Dept. to start mainline work and point of connections late-December or early January
Compliance repairs and time sensitive renovations tentatively scheduled for January 2012
Major renovations tentatively scheduled for Feb/March 2012

Kensington Greenbelt Improvement Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Design - March 2012
Construction – September 2012

Park Amenities: replacement of existing trail, playground, site furnishings and addition of pavilion structure

Mesa Village Improvement Project
Status: Planning
Est. Completion: Design – May 2012
Construction – October 2012

Park Amenities: replace existing asphalt trail with decomposed granite, replace existing pavilion, and improvements to existing multipurpose field

Brushy Creek Regional Trail Gap Project
Status: On-hold
Est. Completion: Spring 2013

Park Amenities: +/- 2.5 miles of Brushy Creek Trail from Sonoma subdivision, across Brushy Creek, connecting to Rabb Park and AW Grimes Blvd multi-use path. Also connects to Greater Lake Creek Trail totaling approx. 7 miles.

Current Project Progress:

R.O.W. acquisition negotiations on-going

Parks Development Updates Issue #4

Roger Heaney — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:20:00 GMT

Main Street Plaza
Status: Completed
Park Amenities: interactive water feature, art screens (along Nelson Hardware Building), stage, shade structure, seatwalls, active light system, concrete plaza, landscape areas

Play for All Abilities Park
Status: Under Construction (50% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: park for children and adults of all abilities, including Large Playscape Pod, Retreat Pod, Rock Band Pod, Sensory Pod, Swing Area, and Village Pod. Each pod was designed specifically with children with disabilities in mind to ensure the pods offered valuable developmental, social, and recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.

Current Project Progress:
85% of concrete work is completed
Parking lot and drive are curbed and ready to asphalted
Playground equipment for Large Playscape Pod is being installed
Playground equipment for Retreat, Sensory, Rock Band, Swing Pod scheduled for delivery end of October

Settlement Park
Status: Under Construction (90% complete)
Est. Completion: October 2011

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, concrete trail, retaining wall, wood privacy fence, shade structure, pond aerator, ADA accessibility improvements, trees

Current Project Progress:
Playground curb, equipment and surfacing is completed
95% of concrete trail is completed
Pond aerator is installed and operational
Pavilion is being installed this week
Retaining wall is being constructed

Rock Hollow Park
Status: Construction
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: +/- ½ mile of concrete trail replacing existing asphalt trail, ADA accessibility improvements

Current Project Progress:
Pre-construction meeting held October 6th
Construction to begin week of October 10th

Municipal Office Complex (MOC) Plaza
Status: Under Design (delayed due to re-design of Brown/Florence Street Improvements)
Est. Completion: Design – November 2011
Construction – August/September 2012

Park Amenities: concrete plaza, performance lawn, areas designed for street festivals, “pillars of the community”, secondary performance stage/shade structure, amphitheater overlook/bat viewing area, improvements to amphitheater, electrical system for street festivals, landscape areas, Brown/Florence Street Improvements, MOC parking lot improvements

Current Project Progress:
95% plans completed, awaiting re-design of Brown/Florence Street
TCEQ WPAP revision to be submitted in January/February timeframe, 3-4 month review

Rabb Park / Brushy Creek Trail Restroom Building
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: Building with 3 unisex, accessible restrooms

Current Project Progress:
Project awarded to contractor at October 6th City Council Meeting

OSPV Triple Crown Restroom Building
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: Design – October 2011
Construction – January 2012

Park Amenities: 4-6 stall restroom building, site utilities and sidewalks

Current Project Progress:
Bid opening on October 18th

Memorial Park Bridge Repair
Status: Construction
Est. Completion: November 2011

Park Amenities: repair 100’ pedestrian bridge crossing Brushy Creek that was damaged in September 2010 flood

Current Project Progress:
Pre-construction meeting held September 30th
Structural steel ordered (4-6 week fabrication/shipment)

Somerset Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, concrete trail, shade structure, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains) and possible basketball court

Current Project Progress:
Contract awarded by City Council, finalizing contract documents
Awaiting Edwards Aquifer WPAP approval from TCEQ
Construction expected to begin late October (dependent on TCEQ approval)

Chisholm Valley Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, shade structure, +/- ½ mile of concrete trail, multipurpose rec field, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains), trees

Current Project Progress:
Contract awarded by City Council, finalizing contract documents
Awaiting Edwards Aquifer WPAP approval from TCEQ
Construction expected to begin late October (dependent on TCEQ approval)

Buck Egger Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: parking lot, synthetic turf multipurpose field, and grass multipurpose field

Current Project Progress:
Contract awarded by City Council, finalizing contract documents
Construction expected to begin late October

Brushy Creek Regional Trail Gap Project
Status: On-hold
Est. Completion: Spring 2013

Park Amenities: +/- 2.5 miles of Brushy Creek Trail from Sonoma subdivision, across Brushy Creek, connecting to Rabb Park and AW Grimes Blvd multi-use path. Also connects to Greater Lake Creek Trail totaling approx. 7 miles.

Current Project Progress:
R.O.W. acquisition negotiations on-going

Rabb House Redevelopment Conceptual Plan
Status: RFQ
Est. Completion: Spring 2012

Park Amenities: conceptual plan for the redevelopment of Rabb House (damaged in September 2010 flood)

Current Project Progress:
Architectural firm is selected, negotiation of scope of services to begin week of Oct. 10th

Parks Development Updates Issue #3

Roger Heaney — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Construction has continued around town and many projects are coming along quite nicely. As the Parks and Recreation Department has met with community members, new projects have been added to enhance various features around the city. Check out all of our ongoing projects below for the latest updates.

Play for All Abilities Park
Status: Under Construction
Est. Completion: December 2011
Park Amenities: park for children and adults of all abilities, including Large Playscape Pod, Retreat Pod, Rock Band Pod, Sensory Pod, Swing Area, and Village Pod. Each pod was designed specifically with children with disabilities in mind to ensure the pods offered valuable developmental, social, and recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.

Current Project Progress:
Water and wastewater utilities installed (Thank you Public Works!)
Overhead electric line and service starting construction
Site work contractor to start in 1-2 weeks

Main Street Plaza (221 East Main Street next to City Hall)
Status: Under Construction
Est. Completion: September (Grand Opening Celebration October 1st)
Park Amenities: interactive water feature, art screens (along Nelson Hardware Building), stage, shade structure, seatwalls, active light system, concrete plaza, landscape areas

Current Project Progress:
Shade structure concrete piers installed (25’ deep)
Interactive fountain piping and storage tank installed
90% of masonry complete (seatwalls, signs, stage)
Electrical conduit (6,000 linear feet of conduit in ground) and panels installed)
All utilities installed
Starting concrete flatwork

Municipal Office Complex (MOC) Plaza (Located behind the Baca Center and the McConico building)
Status: Under Design
Est. Completion: Design – November 2011
Construction – March/April 2012
Park Amenities: Concrete plaza, performance lawn, areas designed for street festivals, “pillars of the community”, secondary performance stage/shade structure, amphitheater overlook/bat viewing area, improvements to amphitheater, electrical system for street festivals, landscape areas, Brown/Florence Street Improvements, MOC parking lot improvements

Current Project Progress:
90% plans under review
TCEQ WPAP revision to be submitted in August, 3-4 month review time

Settlement Park
Status: Under Construction
Est. Completion: October 2011
Park Amenities: renovation of playground, concrete trail, retaining wall, wood privacy fence, shade structure, pond aerator, ADA accessibility improvements, trees

Current Project Progress:
Demo of existing amenities complete
First section of trail installed
Fence replacement underway
Playground area grading complete

Rabb Park / Brushy Creek Trail Restroom Building
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: December 2011
Park Amenities: Building with 3 unisex accessible restrooms

Current Project Progress:
Design complete
Bid project in August

Old Settlers Park Triple Crown Restroom Building
Status: Under Design
Est. Completion: Design – October 2011
Construction – January 2012
Park Amenities: 4-6 stall restroom building, site utilities and sidewalks

Current Project Progress:
Architects agreement to be awarded August 5th

Memorial Park Bridge Repair
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: November 2011
Park Amenities: repair 100’ pedestrian bridge crossing Brushy Creek that was damaged in September 2010 flood

Current Project Progress:
Bid opening on August 9th
Construction to begin late September

Rock Hollow Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: December 2011
Park Amenities: ½ mile of concrete trail replacing existing asphalt trail, ADA accessibility improvements

Current Project Progress:
Bid opening on August 9th
Construction to begin late September

Somerset Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: January 2012
Park Amenities: Renovation of playground, concrete trail, shade structure, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains) and possible basketball court

Current Project Progress:
Bid opening on August 16th
Construction to begin late September

Chisholm Valley Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: January 2012
Park Amenities: Renovation of playground, shade structure, ½ mile of concrete trail, multipurpose rec field, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains), trees

Current Project Progress:
Bid opening on August 22nd
Construction to begin late September – early November

Buck Egger Park
Status: Bid and Award
Est. Completion: January 2012
Park Amenities: parking lot, synthetic turf multipurpose field, and grass multipurpose field

Current Project Progress:
Bid opening on August 22nd
Construction to begin late September – early November

Brushy Creek Regional Trail Gap Project
Status: On-hold
Est. Completion: Spring 2013
Park Amenities: +/- 2.5 miles of Brushy Creek Trail from Sonoma subdivision, across Brushy Creek, connecting to Rabb Park and AW Grimes Blvd multi-use path. Also connects to Greater Lake Creek Trail totaling approx. 7 miles.

Current Project Progress:
R.O.W. acquisition negotiations on-going

Rabb House Redevelopment Conceptual Plan
Status: RFQ
Est. Completion: Spring 2012
Park Amenities: conceptual plan for the redevelopment of Rabb House (damaged in September 2010 flood)

Current Project Progress:
RFQ’s for architectural services to be sent out week of August 15th
Architect selected by October

Parks Development Updates Issue #2

Roger Heaney — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:25:00 GMT

Chisholm Valley Park
Located in the Chisholm Valley housing development, Chisholm Valley Park spans 3.32 acres and includes a shelter, picnic areas, grills, one playscape, and a practice field. A Public Input Meeting was held on July 13 about the Chisholm Valley Park improvements. Funding is already in place for the removal and replacement of several park amenities. Currently, the focus is on new playground equipment and a walking trail. Pending funding, future plans may also include a multipurpose field, sand volleyball court, and a basketball court.

Rock Hollow Trail
Rock Hollow Park spans 12.52 acres and includes 0.44 miles of trail. Also in the park are picnic areas, grills, and two playscapes. The grounds are located inside the Chandler Creek neighborhood and the amenities offer multiple options for outdoor recreation and play.
A Public Input Meeting was held on July 12 to discuss the improvements to Rock Hollow Trail. The objective of the improvements is to re-align the trail in a few areas to allow for better access to park features and to improve the current intersections and connectivity. Funding is already in place to remove and replace the existing trail throughout the park.

Clay Madsen Recreation Center
The Clay Madsen Recreation Center was closed for part of last month as basketball and racquetball courts as well as floors throughout the building were refurbished. This month, the weight room received an important and state-of-the-art equipment upgrade. The weight room was closed for one week as all of the old equipment and flooring was removed, recycled rubber fitness flooring was added, and brand new equipment from Precor was installed. All of the equipment in the room looks streamlined and modern. As an added bonus, the hallways throughout the building received a finished coat to make them extra shiny. And they finished everything in less time than they had planned!

Play for All Abilities Park
A park designed for children of all ages and abilities – who could have thought of that? A family who has a child with a disability and has had trouble in the past finding a park suitable for their child to play in, that’s who. The Play for All Abilities Park has been designed for children of all abilities to play in side-by-side without hindrance. And construction has already begun!

Construction continues at the park as workers lay down utilities and electrical lines. All the brush has been cleared away from the area and the next project will be grading of the site and earth work.

Main Street Plaza
Lying adjacent to the City Hall building, this construction project is intended to create a friendly, green environment and be family focused. The goal is to bring art and culture together with interactive and imaginative play and education as well as use for rest and relaxation during the day.

The next two weeks will be busy for the workers at the Main Street Plaza site. Scheduled to go up are the stage, shade structure poles, fountain pumps, and art screens. Also in the works are the sidewalks and seats built into the walls for convenient comfort.

MOC Plaza (Municipal Office Complex)
The MOC plaza is located behind the McConico Building and next to the Allen R Baca Center, an area of Round Rock that is largely office and retail. This plaza will create a space for workers to enjoy and relax on breaks and for patrons to use before/after their visits to the surrounding establishments. The MOC Plaza will also provide a place to hold events such as the Juneteenth celebration, music and theater performances, farmers market, etc. Additionally, the plaza could be rented out for family reunions and weddings.

The design plans for the MOC Plaza are 90% completed and awaiting approval. Below is what the plaza should look like when it is completed in Spring of 2012.

Settlement Park
Construction started at Settlement Park on Thursday, July 14. Plans for the park include replacing the playground, trail, and fence and adding a fountain in the pond and a pavilion. This project is funded by the Repair and Replacement Program and Park Development Fund.

Summerset Park
Located near Old Town Meadows and Peach Tree Valley neighborhoods, Summerset Park spans 9.61 acres and includes 0.41 miles of trail, picnic facilities with grills, and a playscape. The playscape looks a little lonely out there, so improvements and additions are in the works.
The plans are 100% completed for Summerset Park and have all been approved. Bidding for the improvements will begin in August.

Buck Egger Park
Near downtown Round Rock, Buck Egger Park has a playscape, swings, and a practice soccer field/football field. The 3.08 acre park is a fun play area for kids throughout the city.

Plans are completed for Buck Egger’s new parking lot and synthetic turf. This project is funded by the commercial Block Grant. Bidding will begin the week of July 25th and construction is scheduled to begin in September.

Triple Crown Complex Restrooms
If you’ve spent much time at the Old Settlers Park baseball fields, you know that the Triple Crown Complex is the only baseball diamond in the park without indoor plumbing. The complex has port-a-cans and there has long been a movement to get them replaced with restrooms. Well, here we go!
Concept designs are complete for the new restrooms at the Triple Crown Complex. Construction will begin soon and the restrooms should be open by the end of the year.

Parks Development Updates Issue #1

Roger Heaney — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department has so many construction projects going on that it’s probably hard for everyone to keep up with it all... But we know that you want to!

Every month, this blog will be updated with current information on the different construction projects around town – what’s been going on, what still needs to be done, how close we are to finishing, any changes that have been made to the design along the way, etc. Keep checking back here to stay updated on all the projects that you care about. We'll even offer you video updates on some projects as they are coming along!

Clay Madsen Recreation Center
The Clay Madsen Recreation Center has been under construction lately as different portions of the building get refurbished and revitalized. The floors in the hallways, basketball courts, and racquetball courts were resurfaced so now they are smooth and shiny. New logos were painted on the courts for the City of Round Rock and the Sports Capital of Texas.

The center will be closed for another round of updates on July 9th and 10th. An additional finish coat will be added to the hallway floors and the weight room floors and equipment will be replaced. This is great news as CMRC will have state-of-the-art equipment for your enjoyment once completed.

Play for All Abilities Park
A park designed for children of all ages and abilities – who could have thought of that? A family who has a child with a disability and has had trouble in the past finding a park suitable for their child to play in, that’s who. The Play for All Abilities Park has been designed for children of all abilities to play in side-by-side without hindrance. And construction has already begun!

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Play for All Abilities Park went smoothly, despite the rain, on May 19. Since then, the brush has been cleared away and the utilities and electrical lines have been laid down. The next step in the project is to do some earth work. The Play for All Abilities Park is located at Rabb Park.

Main Street Plaza
Lying adjacent to the City Hall building, this construction project is intended to create a friendly, green environment and be family focused. The goal is to bring art and culture together with interactive and imaginative play and education as well as use for rest and relaxation during the day.

The ground for the plaza has been graded and utilities have been laid. The next steps are to drill piers for the shade structure and begin plumbing work for the interactive water fountain. The plaza is expected to be completed in August 2011.

Check out the Main Street Plaza design (PDF)

MOC Plaza (Municipal Office Complex)
The MOC plaza is located behind the McConico Building and next to the Allen R Baca Center, an area of Round Rock that is largely office and retail. This plaza will create a space for workers to enjoy and relax on breaks and for patrons to use before/after their visits to the surrounding establishments. The MOC Plaza will also provide a place to hold events such as the Juneteenth celebration, music and theater performances, farmers market, etc. Additionally, the plaza could be rented out for family reunions, weddings, etc. There is already an abundance of parking in the area, providing for easy access to the plaza. The design plans for the MOC Plaza have been updated and are approximately 60% finished – including seating, shade, lighting, and art pieces that could be permanent or rotated. Construction is scheduled to start this fall and completed in the spring of 2012.

Check out the MOC Plaza design (PDF)

Settlement Park
This park is already home to a playground, basketball court, and a pond. Over time, however, all things wear down and need some repair or replacing. With the help of the Repair and Replacement Program and the Park Development Fund, Settlement Park is being repaired and updated in order to remain a safe and enjoyable place for children and families. The playground, trail, and fence will be replaced and a fountain will be added to the pond. Also to be added to the park is a pavilion for shade, rest, and relaxation during a busy day of fun. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2011.

Somerset Park
The design for Somerset Park is 90% completed and will include a playground, a trail, and a small pavilion. Currently, the city is working with Oncor Electric to get approval to begin construction in Oncor’s right-of-way.

Buck Egger Park
Buck Egger Park is already home to a playscape and a practice soccer/football field. Now it’s going to get a little more updated. With the help of Community Development Block Grant Funding, we are installing synthetic turf in the field and putting in a parking lot. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2011.

Triple Crown Complex Restrooms
If you’ve spent much time at the Old Settlers Park baseball fields, you know that the Triple Crown Complex is the only baseball diamond in the park without indoor plumbing. The complex has port-a-cans and there has long been a movement to get them replaced with restrooms. Well, here we go!
We are currently in negotiations with the architect and have plans to begin the project in 6-8 weeks. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2011.

Christmas Tree recycling services into the New Year

Roger Heaney — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:24:00 GMT

The City of Round Rock encourages residents to recycle their Christmas trees on Saturday, January 2 at the Round Rock Brush Recycling Center located at 310 Deepwood Drive. Round Rock residents will get more than just a good feeling from recycling their Christmas trees, the City will give away a free tree seedling (while supplies last, Saturday only) to residents who bring their Christmas trees for recycling on Saturday, January 2.

Round Rock residents may bring their Christmas Trees to the Round Rock Brush Recycling Center for recycling during any regular operating day from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday.

Residents must remove all decorations, nails, wires, ornaments, tree stands, lights, and tinsel before bringing in their tree to the recycling center. The trees will be shredded into a fine, usable mulch which is free to Round Rock residents for pickup at the recycling center. The mulch can also be purchased by contractors and non-residents for $5 per cubic yard.

For more information, call (512) 218-5540.

While grass grows, dog park remains open for fun

Brooks Bennett — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 GMT

If you visit the Round Rock Dog Depot, then you know how popular of a place it is. It is always fun to see the dogs (and people for that matter) interacting at our park.

Because of heavy use, Area 3 of the park is closed to allow for new grass to grow in. No need to worry, the park was designed to allow for an area to be closed at any given time just for this purpose, so please continue to come enjoy the park.

Area 3 is expected to re-open by the end of the year.

3 days left at Rock'N River

Terri Waggoner — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:28:00 GMT

Rock'N River is open this weekend Sept 5,6 and 7 from noon - 6 pm. A lot of people have been calling and asking about the pool schedule. With school back in session,its just this final weekend. After this weekend all the city pools will be closed. Don't miss your last chance to race down the water slides!

CMRC: Maintenance update

Terri Waggoner — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:38:00 GMT

The Clay Madsen Recreation Center is undergoing some upgrades. The womens' locker room is open and has new tile. The men's room is open for use while construction continues, but please note that showers are still under maintenance. The pool will reopen on September 8. Thanks to everyone for your patience during the upgrades, the completed maintenance projects already look awesome!

We're stylin' at the Baca Center

Terri Waggoner — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:28:00 GMT

Come watch us strut our stuff on the catwalk! The Allen R. Baca Center for Senior and Community Activities is hosting the Fall Fashion Show Friday, September 4 from 1 to 3 pm. At the fashion show, volunteer Baca Center models will have hair and makeup done by Center member Kathleen Brown before they model the lastest fashions from Coldwater Creek, JoS A. Banks and Stein Mart. Along with the clothing companies, TXU energy and the Round Rock Express will be sponsoring the event.

The Round Rock Express is giving away free tickets for two separate games as door prizes. Admission is free for members; walk-in rate of $1 for non-members. Call 512-218-5499 for more information. Don't miss the fun!

Rock'N River open on Monday Aug 24 noon - 6 pm

Terri Waggoner — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:13:00 GMT

We've been getting a lot of phone calls today about the city pool schedule. Lake Creek Pool and Micki Krebsbach Pool are now closed until next year. So, your final and last chance to jump in a City of Round Rock pool is today from noon - 6 pm at Rock'N River or on the weekend August 29,30 and Labor Day weekend Sept 5,6,7 and the only open pool is the Rock'N River Family Aquatic Center at Old Settlers Park. To check the schedule visit www.roundrocktexas.gov/pools.

Toddler class spotlight: Sportball

Terri Waggoner — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Leisure time is important and so is exercise. How does your family exercise together? Do you visit Old Settlers Park? Swim at the pool? Throw a ball in the yard? If you're running out of ideas, Round Rock Parks and Recreation offers many programs to get your child engaged in exercise from an early age. One of the newer toddler programs is Sportball, a class where children get active and develop a life-long love of sports. For the smaller child, parents work with their child as they are introduced to 8 sports every week: soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, golf, tennis, hockey and football. Sound like fun? Sportball classes range from age 15-24 months and 2 year olds with parent supervision and on up to 4 1/2 years. Visit roundrockrecreation.com for more information.

A/C out at Clay Madsen

Terri Waggoner — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:51:00 GMT

Please note that the air conditioner at Clay Madsen Recreation Center went out on Saturday. The facility is still without air as we wait for the replacement part to come in this week. Please schedule your workouts accordingly and we apologize for any inconvenience.

CMRC is currently undergoing some renovations. Progress is still being made on the locker rooms and the tennis courts were painted last week. When everything is done, the facility will look great!