On July 7, Hutto City Council approved STR Constructors to begin improvements to Fritz Park in late July with a proposed completion date of April. Hutto Parks Development Manager Mike Hemker said only minor changes have been made since the park opened in 2005, so a 2007 master plan set a goal to improve existing facilities. “The goal was to bring fields up to a championship level of play,” Hemker said. “Improvements also included safer parking and play areas.” At the July 7 meeting, council members approved moving the latest improvement project forward utilizing funds from a 2009 bond election that were originally intended to make improvements to Hutto parks, including Fritz Park, located on the northeast corner of FM 1660 and Hwy. 79. “The [scaled-back] improvements meet all of the goals and expectations set for the project,” Hemker said. “The design encompasses a higher level of visibility, which is something residents should and will be proud of once [the improvements] are built.” The $3.3 million that was approved in 2009 will not be enough to fund proposed additional ball fields at Fritz Park because of the increased cost of goods and services. The estimated cost of the project approved by City Council of $3,274,287.64 will include a new facade that represents Old Town Hutto. Major construction is also slated to improve and create shared-use concessions and restrooms between old Hippo Stadium and Holmstrom Field as well as add an umpire/official’s room and a cul-de-sac for drop-off convenience. New fences, bullpens, improved press boxes and working scoreboards will also be incorporated along with rerouting parts of the popular Cottonwood Trail. The improvements, once complete, are intended to prevent future Texas Department of Transportation right of way interruptions. “The city does not want improvements made now to be impacted in the future should TxDOT decide to expand/widen Hwy. 79,” Hemker said. “One major component to prevent interference is to shift Holmstrom Field’s home plate from the southwest corner to the northwest corner.” Pending any weather delays, the project is slated to take nine months to complete. “We’ll have a construction schedule later this week and updates about the project on the city website throughout the process,” Hemker said. Enhancements around the pavilion area and the playground between the fields, along with improving the bleachers, batting cages and parking lot, are future considerations. “The improvements can be constructed and installed at a later date when funds for these elements become available, possibly in a future bond referendum,” Hemker said.