Round Rock planning construction of $1.8M downtown project
The city of Round Rock is planning the construction of $1.8 million improvements in the downtown area that will include a new outdoor gathering space.
The Lawn at Bushy Creek, a more than 20-acre park, will have a pedestrian bridge, a canoe launch and the development of 6 acres along Pecan Avenue and Georgetown Street.
Parks and Recreation Director Rick Atkins said the park would give the city another area to "have a good time," including small concerts or gatherings.
Officials said the bridge will help pedestrians get to and from Heritage Trail West and Veterans Park and will help connect the trail system to the south side of the creek, making it easier to get downtown.
The project will cost the city $1,398,000 and will be funded through the city's voter-approved 2023 bond. The city has approved an agreement with Design Workshop to begin the construction documentation and administration phase of the project.
A timeline for the beginning of construction or the completion of the project has not been announced and city officials did not respond when asked for more information.
The project will also enhance the area surrounding the city's iconic water tower and the Johnson building on the northwest corner of Mays and Main Streets. This part of the development is called the "Town Green" project. The Johnson building, which used to be a gas station, will be renovated to provide restrooms, and storage for city events and operations, officials said.
More: Round Rock voters approve biggest bond in city's history
Atkins said the city wants to make the area around the water tower perfect for civic engagement. Officials said this part of the project will cost $412,000, which will also come from the 2023 bond money.
"(Our goal is to) create a space so that our residents can have a place to just go and enjoy being in the downtown area," Atkins said during a City Council meeting on Feb. 8.
Hazuki Templeton, 50, has moved in and out of the city over the past 20 years. Now living in Austin, she said there was never anything that drew her family to the downtown area.
"I never had the need or desire to go (downtown) but now that they are making these changes, there will be a lot more to do," she said. "We're hoping that it becomes a little more similar to downtown Georgetown with a lot more stuff to do and a lot of walkability."
Templeton, who is moving back to Round Rock, said she is excited about the pedestrian bridge as her new house is within walking distance of Veterans Park. She and her husband are also looking forward to lounging and picnicking at the park. She said she hopes the area near the water tower becomes a place where farmer's markets can be held.
Resident Jerry Aaho, 41, said the improvements around the water tower show the city is prioritizing pedestrians and socialization but still preserving the historic parts of downtown.
"(The lawn will be) a great place," he said. "I would like to go down and just spend the day."
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Round Rock planning construction of $1.8M downtown project
