The city of Bastrop is inviting the public to a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 for input on improvements to the Rodeo Arena at Mayfest Park as part of an effort to amend the “Experience Bastrop” Parks and Recreation Master Plan—a 10-year guiding document first approved in 2023.

What residents should know

An online survey is available online where area residents—whether they are an industry expert, rodeo attendee or community member, can submit their experiences and ideas.

Questions include:

• What types of events or activities would encourage you to visit the Rodeo Arena?
• If you don’t visit the Rodeo Arena, why not?
• What improvements would make the Rodeo Arena a better resource for the community?
• What age group are you?
• What ZIP code do you reside in?

Some background

Bastrop City Council discussed the need for improvements to Mayfest Park and the Rodeo Arena—such as a shade structure, increased parking and seating enhancements—during a meeting Aug. 12.

“To me, the concept behind this is to go beyond the Rodeo Arena, because rodeo season only happens at a certain time of the year,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris said. “There’s so much to offer outside of the rodeo that we can provide like concerts.”

The outlook

Following the town hall meeting and online survey, which will be available until Sept. 17, the city will:

• Present public input findings to Bastrop City Council on Sept. 23
• Take amendments to Planning and Zoning Commission for approval Oct. 3
• Hold a public hearing and have first reading at Bastrop City Council on Oct. 28
• Hold a second reading at Bastrop City Council on Nov. 11

“It’s important that we give you what it is you want,” Place 2 council member Cynthia Meyer said during the Aug. 12 meeting.