Health & wellness
BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.
Health & Wellness Edition 2026
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! In this guide you’ll nd the latest news, updates and resources related to health and wellness in our community. Topics span physical, mental and social well-being, with a variety of stories reported and written by our local journalism team. In the second year of this edition, read about the latest updates to Hutto’s Fritz Park, learn more about the impact of excessive technology use and check out some local running clubs.
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$11M in improvements to Hutto’s Fritz Park near completion Fritz Park improvements remain on track to open this year, with phase two construction continuing and completion expected in early 2026, according to city o cials. 1660 FRITZ PARK
community input through the city’s parks advisory board and multiple resident task forces, which provided recommendations on playground equipment, splash pad features, and the pump track and skate park design. While some upgrades—such as new equipment and solar lighting—are expected to reduce long- term maintenance costs, the expanded amenities will also increase daily operational demands. What they’re saying Once the renovated park reopens, city o cials expect a signi cant increase in use. White said Fritz Park could see more than 100,000 visitors during the remainder of 2026. White described the project as a major step toward modernizing Hutto’s park system. “This is going to be our agship park,” he said. “It sets a new standard for what our amenities need to look like going forward.”
FRITZ PARK RENOVATIONS
The $11 million project is part of Hutto’s capital improvement plan approved by City Council in 2023. Funding comes primarily from a voter-ap- proved parks bond passed in 2018, with design costs covered by the city’s Parkland Development Fund. Improvements include expanded parking, a lighted perimeter walking trail with solar lighting, a new splash pad, modern restroom facilities, new playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, renovated basketball courts, a pump track and skate park, and additional open space. The project also incorporates water conser- vation measures by reusing an existing well to supply a pond that will irrigate the park, said Je White, Hutto Parks and Recreation director. White said the project was shaped by
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New playground equipment is installed at Fritz Park as part of the park’s ongoing renovation.
MANUEL HOLGUIN JR. COMMUNITY IMPACT
23
PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION
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