The overview
Round Rock City Council approved an agreement Oct. 26 for design and engineering services with Kimley-Horn to make a variety of improvements to Old Settlers Park, including tennis and pickleball courts, a recreation center and expansion of the Rock N’ River water park.
Director of Parks and Recreation Rick Atkin considers the park a “crown jewel” of the community as he presented a timeline for the complete buildout of Old Settlers to Council, with the majority of the project construction to begin after August 2024.
“There’s always something for the community to do. When you talk about the quality of life and finding things—that engagement—it’s here in this community,” Atkins said. “We are very fortunate that we have a city that’s very responsive. ...This is where I get to brag on the city management as well as the council that there’s responsiveness and the willingness to say, ‘Hey, let's go get this done.’”
Funding for the park project comes from the May 2023 voter-approved G.O. bond, including $230 million designated for parks, recreation and sports.
What’s new?
According to city documents the park will see the following improvements:
- Additional water features and more parking at Rock’N River water park
- A permanent stage for special events
- Replacement of the existing Lakeview Pavilion with a larger structure and restroom facility
- Replacement playground
- Upgrades to provide built-in infrastructure for special events, including lighting improvements
- Six additional fields and improvements at the Multipurpose Complex
- Relocation and expansion of existing tennis and pickleball courts
- New recreation center
Old Settlers improvement designs also entail a new roadway connection between Harrell Parkway and Kenny Fort Boulevard with a paved parking lot adjacent to Harrell Parkway.
