Plans for Hutto’s long-awaited amphitheater progressed March 7. Hutto City Council voted unanimously to authorize City Manager Odis Jones to enter into a contract for additional park improvements not to exceed $4 million and to negotiate a contract for managing the facility. The city of Hutto has already paid around $5 million to purchase the park property—undeveloped land on the shores of Brushy Creek—and cover initial costs of amphitheater construction. Council's action March 7 allows Jones to pursue additional upgrades, such as 1,000 paved parking spaces and fencing, Jones said. “We wanted to add some parking spaces, landscaping and some other enhancements,” he said. As it stands, the amphitheater designs include a 4,000-seat concert and event venue. A VIP area will provide 1,000 shaded seats. With the extended lawn area factored in, the total capacity will be 10,000 people. “I’m going to ensure we can appropriately manage that amphitheater, so we can drive the kind of promotions and concerts and events that we need to,” Jones said. The city began construction on the 65-acre property in April 2018. The project helps fulfill goals set in the 2015 Hutto Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. “We want to have a good venue and make it enjoyable for the residents,” Jones said. Additional reporting by Iain Oldman.