The city of Round Rock is moving forward with plans for the Heritage Trail East Project, after City Council approved a contract for engineering work Aug. 8.

The project is a part of a bigger plan to create a 20-acre public park just outside downtown.

About the project

The Heritage Trail East project includes improvements to land along Heritage Circle, from Mays Street to Georgetown Street near Brushy Creek. This portion of the trail will eventually feature a playground as well as a pedestrian bridge over the creek, according to city documents.

The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a $6.3 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation last October, which will cover 80% of the costs. The other $1.6 million comes from the city’s 2023 voter-approved park bonds.

The update

Projects utilizing federal grants require extra environmental work outside the normal scope of the city, Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation David Buzzel said. City Council approved a $123,756 contract with multidisciplinary firm BGE Inc. to conduct engineering services for the project.

BGE has done similar work for other cities, according to the company, and specializes in guidance for compliance with federal regulations.

Looking forward

The city approved a contract with Design Workshop in February to plan the downtown public park project dubbed the Lawn at Brushy Creek. The project is intended to connect the Heritage Trail to Sheppard Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, bring pedestrians and cyclists to downtown, and also address stormwater issues, according to city documents.