Lakeway residents can expect updates to several parks and recreational facilities in the coming years as the city moves forward with projects funded by a $22 million bond package approved by voters in 2024, including a new park in Rough Hollow and planned improvements to Lakeway City Park.
The background
In 2024, Lakeway voters approved a $22 million bond package to improve existing parks and build a new one in the Rough Hollow area. The projects include improvements to the Lakeway Activity Center, Lakeway City Park, the Lakeway Swim Center and the Live Oak Tennis Courts, along with the new construction of Butler Rough Hollow Park.
The updates
The Lakeway Parks and Recreation department presented updates for each project included in the bond package at an Oct. 19 city council meeting.
Lakeway Activity Center
The Lakeway Activity Center’s updated playscape was completed in September 2025.
It has since been recognized as one of the top 7 playscapes in the Austin area, said Andra Bennett, director of Lakeway Parks and Recreation.
The project also received an additional $50,000 donation from the Lake Travis Rotary Club to help with the improved play area.
Butler Rough Hollow Park
Following the groundbreaking ceremony in July, construction on Butler Rough Hollow Park is underway.
The site is 11 acres and is expected to include a playground and ninja course, an amphitheater and a pavilion, among other amenities.
In September, RH Lakeway Development Ltd., the primary developer behind the Rough Hollow neighborhood, donated $50,000 toward the park’s construction and development.
Butler Rough Hollow Park is expected to be completed in May 2027.
Lakeway City Park
The city is in the design phase for the $10.6 million improvement project at Lakeway City Park. The city and Dunaway, the engineering and design firm leading the project, plan to complete this phase by January, with the project estimated to go out to bid for construction in fall of 2027.
This project presents both opportunities and challenges due to the park’s topography, proximity to Lake Travis, floodplain considerations and the range of community recreational interests, Bennett said.
Some goals of the project include:
Increasing parking and connectivity areas
Increasing recreational spaces and amenities
Creating an all-wheels park
Replacing the existing Hurst Creek Road playground with a new, more accessible play structure
Improving trails
Improving and expanding the dog park
In September 2026, city staff and the design teams hosted a community feedback meeting focused specifically on the proposed skatepark and bike park in order to hear directly from those who would use the features.
However, some residents have expressed disapproval of the lack of pickleball courts included in the project goals.
“When this bond was put together it included four new pickleball courts in addition to the four that had already been moved,” Lakeway resident Larry Harlan said. “We were very surprised when it was announced at the meeting in September that there could be zero to two new pickleball courts … . We think they are needed and the demand is there … . We just want to have an opportunity to engage before a final decision is made.”
The construction phase of the project is expected to take place from fall 2027 to summer 2029.
Lakeway Swim Center
Lakeway city staff have begun preliminary discussions with engineering and design firms regarding improvements to the Lakeway Swim Center.
Due to the scope and complexity of the facility, it is anticipated to be the most challenging of the five bond projects, Bennett said.
Live Oaks Tennis Courts
Design work has not started on the Live Oak Tennis Courts; however, Lakeway city staff have been in contact with the United States Tennis Association to explore potential grant opportunities.
Staff will continue evaluating available funding options as the project moves closer to the design phase, Bennett said.
