What residents need to know
In the latest update for the planned renovations of Fritz Park, Shane Howard of Burditt Consulting—the company handling the design and architecture planning—told council pre-construction work would begin in January, with heightened movement beginning in summer 2024.
Park patrons will notice temporary fences on the western side of the park as construction crews begin surveying, grading and performing erosion control.
Howard said the surrounding neighborhoods will be notified before more invasive construction begins.
Howard said much of the progress on the project is a result of the partnership between the design company, construction company and city staff.
“So far we have been on schedule [and] everything's been able to be delivered,” Howard said. “It’s an iterative process. It will be a teamwork and collaborative process with the city and STR [contractors].”
What else?
City Council approved an agreement with Burditt to redesign the site in July, as the Fritz Park improvement project was included in the city's updated park's master plan. The renovations are expected to be done by spring 2025.
The $10 million allotted for the project will be funded by the $125 million voter-approved bond from 2018, in which $50 million was intended for parks and recreation.
The city of Hutto has also applied for $750,000 in grant funding from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Hutto Parks and Recreation Director Jeff White said the city will hear back about its grant application by Jan. 24.
Fritz Park improvements will include:
- New restrooms
- A pump track or skate park
- Small stage and lawn
- A splash pad
- A pond
- A walking trail
- A shaded barbecue area
- Sports courts upgrades
- Additional parking
- Potential food truck parking
