Local government latest: 3 stories affecting the Cedar Park area

Additionally, the filing lists the expected construction cost at $9.7 million. City Communications Director Fran Irwin told Community Impact that the total budget for the pedestrian bridge and trail connection is now anticipated at a total of $13.4 million.

Cedar Park City Council approved a $2.1 million design and engineering contract May 28 with landscape architecture firm SWA Group for the next set of improvements at Lakeline Park, dubbed Phase 2.

Council members approved a master plan for future improvements at the park, also developed by SWA Group, in April. Under the new contract, the firm will develop construction-ready plans to carry out the vision for the next phase as described in the master plan.

Highlights of Phase 2 include expanded trails, an elevated walkway through the tree canopy, a new parking lot on the south side of the park, additional restrooms near the soccer fields and south parking lot, a disc golf course, and expanded recreational and educational amenities.

The design process is set to be completed by spring 2027 and construction to begin in summer 2027, senior project manager Caleb Stockton said. The city aims to open the Phase 2 improvements in fall 2028, Stockton said.

Austin leaders advance $390M bond election outline

A potential 2026 bond totaling hundreds of millions of dollars is moving forward, as some city of Austin staff and elected officials have suggested a pause on the process.

Elected officials also set a new framework for when they should order bond elections based on Austin's financial position. City finance staff recommended against any vote in 2026 in favor of a broader 2028 package.

Officials have been split over whether a 2026 bond is needed and how much funding should be included. This spring, they voted to revise finance policies to allow for new bonds even if some past bond projects aren't completed. They also formally advanced the 2026 bond's development ahead of a final election decision.