With help from the community, a new park dedicated to veterans' service could become reality in Leander.
On March 26, the city of announced it is seeking donations to build a 3.3-acre Veterans Park on Sonny Drive behind the Leander Public Library and the Mason Homestead.
The park could include flags to honor military branches and a wall and trail to honor veterans.
Building cost estimates total $900,000, according to the city. The cost includes a centerpiece metal sculpture of an eagle that will turn with the wind, Leander Parks and Recreation Director Steve Bosak said.
"We've been working on the project for probably over six, eight months now and we're just starting to roll out the campaign," Bosak said. "Almost a year ago we started working on it. Informally we were seeking donations through the utility bill payments."
The city raised about $1,500 from residents who contributed amounts of $1 or $2, he said.
On Sept. 19 Leander City Council established a Veterans Park Committee and on Dec. 5 City Council appointed nine members to serve on it. Members developed a guide of park item costs and donation methods, Bosak said.
Residents can call Leander Parks and Recreation at 512-528-9909 or read more about the planned park on the city website.
"We have had some real positive responses from people," Bosak said.
But he said some time may pass before the park can begin construction.
"It's going to take a considerable amount of money before we really do anything," Bosak said.