San Gabriel Park is set for a new round of growth following Georgetown City Council approval Tuesday of a $3.6 million expansion. The approval funds the second of four phases of expansion and renovation of San Gabriel Park proposed through the park’s 2015 master plan. Splitting additions into four phases will allow the park to remain open during construction, according to the city’s parks and recreation department. An initial phase of expansion—which includes traffic-calming measures, pavilions, restrooms, parking, a trailhead and entry monuments with signage—should finish in June. Construction on the second phase is anticipated to begin in July and finish by June 2019, according to the city. Park additions in the second phase include:
  • entry monuments
  • roadway and parking improvements
  • 4 “medium-size” picnic and barbecue pavilions
  • 10 smaller picnic pavilions
  • one large multiuse pavilion
  • 2 children’s play areas
  • additional trails and trailheads
  • restoration of two existing springs in the park
  • one new restroom building
  • lighting for two existing volleyball courts
  • one new basketball court
  • signage
  • open space and landscaping
The second phase will also include a trail extension to connect a new walking trail between the park and the Katy Crossing neighborhood. Funding for the expansion comes from bond-sales proceeds through a parks bond package approved by Georgetown voters in 2008, according to the Georgetown Parks Director Kimberly Garrett. Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to award a construction contract to Ritter-Botkin Prime Construction Co. of Pflugerville, which was the lowest bidder out of five bidders on the project. The company is also finishing construction of the 525-acre Garey Park on FM 2243, which is scheduled to open June 9, according to the city.