A new era for parks in Hutto: City invests $13.4M in parks over past 4 years

Gordon said that is a thing of the past as the city improves its park strategy.

In 2023, the City Council decided to start investing in parks. They thought the best way to do that was to invest in a “signature park.”

Troy McMillin lives in Hutto and previously served on the Hutto Parks Advisory Board, helping to design key components of the new and improved Fritz Park, including the playscapes and splash pad.

“When we built Fritz Park, we did that on a very tight budget, so it never had a lot of nice things. We got the pavilion and the play area, and it was very tight. We did it for $1.2 million between two parks, both Fritz and Creekside,” McMillin said.

Hutto Parks and Recreation Director Jeff White said the cost of the Fritz Park improvements totaled $10.75 million with design.

“Fritz Park is on track to become Hutto’s signature destination park,” White said. “With a splash pad, new playgrounds, lighted basketball courts, expanded lighted trails, a sensory path, an all‑wheels track, brand‑new restrooms, better use of open space, 900 new trees and plenty of seating, it’s shaping up to be a favorite spot for residents and visitors alike.”

Measuring the impact

White said the parks department can track attendance at the parks, and the numbers have increased since improvements began.

“That, along with the feedback that we’re receiving, is telling me that people are enjoying those facilities,” White said.

All parks, except Fritz and Adam Orgain, which has been closed for improvements, saw an increase in attendance compared to one, two and three years prior.

White said the mission of the parks and recreation department is to increase the quality of life.

“We’re creating community, especially through some of our special events where your neighbor shows up, and you get to meet them,” White said. “You may not have spent time with them, but you have that opportunity at an event, or your child’s at our camp and meets his new best friend. ... That’s what we’re about is trying to improve the quality of life ... of general well-being, and creating those connections.”

Why it matters

In 2025, Hutto was recognized as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, showing a commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive, and sensory‑friendly spaces for all families.

Staff completed specialized training through the IBCCES, and park improvements now incorporate evidence‑based design principles for children with autism and sensory processing needs.

Additionally, in 2026 Hutto was awarded Tree City USA status for the fifth time. In the last five years, the community has planted almost a hundred trees and distributed another hundred to residents.

“Our mentality is plant a tree, get a tree,” White said. “Our council has been very supportive of making sure that we grow our canopy, and that’s just one of the cool projects we’ve gotten to work on in the last few years.”

Looking ahead

At the time of publication, Fritz Park was still under construction and is wrapping up, but no opening date has been set, White said.

The city also redid its parkland dedication in 2024 to increase new developments’ required parkland from 3 to 15 acres. White said the city manages about 350 acres right now, and over the next three to five years, they will add another 250 to 300 acres.

Other park projects still in the works include a disc golf course at Creekside Park, a restroom at Adam Orgain Park, and solar trail lights at Hutto Lake and Cross Creek trails.