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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 JAN. 17 FEB. 16, 2026
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Voter Guide
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The Crossover is home to dozens of health and wellness businesses on the Cedar Park and Leander border.
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Brokers Welcome. Regency at Santa Rita Ranch is a 55+ active-adult community intended to operate under the Housing for Older Person’s Act of 1995, as amended. One resident must be 55+. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an oering where prohibited by law. Toll Brothers Real Estate, Inc. RegencyatSantaRitaRanch.com/Impact 500 Sweetgrass Ct, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | 833-405-8655
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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Leander
Impacts
Cedar Park & Leander
The storefront is owned by Portland, Oregon, native Jiten Patel. Patel said he wants the Cedar Reserve to provide a high-end experience for the community. • Grand opening Dec. 15 • 12301 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 2, Ste. 201, Cedar Park • www.creserveliquor.com 3 Teaspoon The new boba spot sells seasonal sips, classic tea avors and coee. Menu items include the Guava Sunset, which includes guava and pineapple marmalade with lemon juice. Keyla Ruiz and her sister Rhoda Sween are co-owners of the new franchise location. • Soft opened Nov. 26 • 1811 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 200, Cedar Park • www.teaspoonlife.com 4 B1 Men’s Health Opened in November, B1 Men’s Health oers holistic care for men in Cedar Park. Owner Michael Bevins is board-certied in family and obesity medicine, a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians, and a certied life coach, according to its website. At B1 Men’s Health, he provides general primary care with an interest in metabolic health and hormones. • Opened Nov. 13 • 3000 Polar Lane, Ste. 901, Cedar Park • www.b1menshealth.com 5 Phat Tracks Books & Records The new book and record storefront is now open in Cedar Park, oering a selection of books, vinyls, CDs and cassettes. The store opened its doors to customers in December. Owned by Thomas West, the store sells a range of banned books, underground music and events, according to its website, and will soon host local bands for live performances, West said. • Opened Dec. 6 • 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C-104, Cedar Park • https://phattracksbooks.com 6 Qahwah House A new coee shop selling Yemeni coee, tea and pastries, held its o¢cial opening in Leander in late 2025. Owner Adil Mufti said the practice of brewing and roasting coee beans originated in Yemen, and the shop tries to maintain the standards of the original coee
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The appointment-only business also carries gold and silver products for purchase. • Opened Oct. 1 • 2301 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 402, Cedar Park • www.jvmbullion.com 2 Cedar Reserve Cedar Park’s newest liquor store, Cedar Reserve, now oers a wide range of liquors, wines and craft beers.
Now open
1 JVM Bullion A new brick-and-mortar JVM Bullion buys and sells a range of gold and silver. Owned by local Vinay Pattni, the company purchases a range of precious metals from customers for cash, including scrap metal, old jewelry, collectible coins, bullion, watches and estate pieces.
1407 N. Bell Blvd. (Hwy 183) Cedar Park HillCountryWaterGardens.com 512-260-5050
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roasters. Qahwah imports coee beans directly from Yemen and adheres to traditional brewing and roasting methods. Baristas are rigorously trained over three weeks to maintain consistent quality. • Opened Nov. 26 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Stes. 305 and 306, Leander • www.qahwahhouse.com 7 Boot Barn One of the largest Western wear retailers in America moved into the space formerly occupied by Bed, Bath & Beyond, which led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023. The retailer sells a wide variety of boots for men, women and children, including cowboy boots, work boots and hiking boots. Additionally, the store oers a range of hats, clothing and home decor to capture a Western aesthetic. • Opened in Nov. • 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park • www.bootbarn.com
Now open
Relocations
10 Claw Haven The Asian-style claw arcade is owned by Lu, Bradley Wong, Vicky Lee and Peter Song. Claw Haven has a variety of claw machines with prizes including Pokémon plushies, POPMART Labubus and BABYTHREE Blind Boxes. The goal for Claw Haven is for every visitor to leave feeling like a winner, according to its website. • Opened Dec. 6 • 1550 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 103, Cedar Park • www.clawhavenarcade.com 11 Jason’s Deli The deli is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was founded in 1976 by Joe Tortorice Jr. in Beaumont and has since branched out to 114 Texas locations and 235 delis nationwide in 27 states, per the release. Additionally, Jason’s Deli became the rst major restaurant concept to ban articial trans fats in 2005, before banning high-fructose corn syrup in 2008, dyes and articial colors in 2010 and articial avors in
12 KPop Austin The company announced in an Instagram post in early December that the store is relocating to the H-E-B Plus in far Northwest Austin. The store was previously located inside Hana World Market at 1700 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin. K-Pop Austin sells a variety of merchandise including albums, keyrings, magazines, concert boxes, posters and photo books. • Relocated Dec. 17 • 11521 N. RM 620 Bldg. A, Austin • Instagram: kpopaustin
In the news
8 Sky Zone Construction on a new 29,000-square-foot Sky Zone location is expected to begin in March, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ling. The project is expected to include a new indoor trampoline park, cafe and kitchen area, rooms for private events and lounge and o¢ce space. Work on the trampoline park is set to conclude in November. • 1611 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park • www.skyzone.com 9 UPS renovation The existing 1,310-square-foot space was remodeled, including installing ooring, xtures, relocating the restrooms and demolishing three walls, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ling. The store initially opened in December 1990 and is currently open to the public. • 100 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 148, Cedar Park • www.theupsstore.com
Closings
13 Bualo Wild Wings The wing concept has closed its Cedar Park location near 1890 Ranch shopping center. A note was posted on the business’s side door referring customers to the company’s nearby locations which remain open. The business served wings, tenders, burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Customers were given the opportunity to order wings with one of the 26 avors and dry rubs oered at the restaurant. • Closed fall 2025 • 4710 183A Toll Road, Cedar Park • www.buffalowildwings.com
2015, according to its website. • 4811 183A Toll Road, Cedar Park • www.jasonsdeli.com
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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Education
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
LISD to consolidate Faubion Elementary
Leander ISD names acting superintendent The Leander ISD board of trustees named Chris Clark as acting superintendent during the Dec. 11 board meeting. The details Clark is the current deputy superintendent of learning and innovation for LISD. District ocials said former superinten- dent Bruce Gearing will hold a “superinten- dent emeritus” role for the remainder of the school year, in which he will be retired from day-to-day responsibilities but remain in an advisory capacity. Gearing announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year on Dec. 8 after serving the district for six years. A timeline for the permanent superin- tendent search process has not yet been outlined.
Westside Elementary
Faubion Elementary
RYAN JORDAN LN.
In two votes during a special meeting Dec. 17, the Leander ISD board of trustees rejected plans to consolidate Steiner Ranch Elementary in the 2026- 27 school year, but approved consolidating Faubion Elementary with Westside Elementary. The details Trustees rst unanimously directed district administration to return with a comprehensive, districtwide alignment plan for the Vandegrift High School feeder pattern, which includes Steiner Ranch and other southern campuses experiencing declining enrollment. The plan is expected to explore expanded grade-span models, potential consolidation scenarios for the 2027-28 school year and future facility use. In a separate 5-2 vote, the board approved consolidating Faubion with Westside. Trustees Paul Gauthier and Trish Bode voted against the motion.
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Trustee Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia proposed the alternative approach, saying other campuses are also underenrolled and have not been fully consid- ered. She said school closures are emotional and require a broader review of districtwide trends. Following the vote, district ocials said Faubion’s campus could be repurposed for programs such as New Hope High School, the Leander Extended Opportunity Center or Early College High School. District sta will now develop rezoning and restang plans and create a task force to support the transition.
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Government
BY DANIEL SCHWALM, BROOKE SJOBERG & GRACIE WARHURST
Tunnels complete for Lake Travis deep-water intake project All underground concrete work on the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority’s deep-water intake project is complete, according to Aaron Archer, vice president of civil engineering rm Walker Partners. Archer shared the update with Leander City Council at its Dec. 18 meeting. The background The BCRUA’s Raw Water Intake project will draw water from deep below Lake Travis to provide a reliable, year-round supply for the regional utility, a partnership between Leander, Cedar Park and Round Rock. The project is part of Phase 2 of BCRUA’s regional water system plan. Phase 1 involved constructing a oating barge on Lake Travis capable of pumping about 32 million gallons of water per day, which
WilCo forms regional water coalition Williamson County and local water providers will move forward early next year with a regional eort to address long-term water supply needs, including soliciting proposals in February for an engineering study to evaluate future demand. The eort is part of a newly formed coalition aimed at coordinating water procurement, infrastructure planning and conservation among cities and utilities. Although the county is not a water provider, County Judge Steven Snell said he hopes to help guide coordination among cities as growth continues. County commissioners approved $500,000 for the engineering study at their Nov. 25 meeting. The coalition is expected to recommend a rm to Commissioners Court in March.
Water distribution
Phase 2 of the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority’s raw water intake project will allow 145 million gallons per day to be processed.
1 Leander 1 Cedar Park 1 Round Rock
62 MGD
40.8 MGD
145 MGD Total
NOTE: TOTAL DOES NOT ADD UP DUE TO ROUNDING SOURCE: AIRBTICS COMMUNITY IMPACT
42 MGD
Archer said is vulnerable to drought and will be discontinued once the deep-water intake is operational. The new system will pump water through underground tunnels to a pump station, then through pipelines to existing water treatment plants in Leander, Cedar Park and BCRUA. When complete, the system will have the capacity to pump up to 145 million gallons of water per day.
Creative 3D Technologies to move HQ to Cedar Park with incentive deal Creative 3D Technologies, a manufacturer in the medical, aerospace, defense and industrial sectors, is bringing its headquarters to Cedar Park as part of an economic development agreement with the city. The overview
to $400,000 in incentive payments and rebate of all or some of the sales tax generated by a facility located in the city limits through 2030. In exchange, Creative 3D Technologies will: • Lease an 18,000 square foot facility by Dec. 31, 2026 • Invest no less than $810,000 in the facility over three years and create at least 45 jobs
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The Cedar Park City Council approved an economic development agreement with the technology manufacturer Dec. 18, promising up
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Election
Voter Guide
2026
Dates to know
Where to vote
Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day and the last day for counties to receive completed mail-in ballots (or 5 p.m. March 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day)
Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Williamson and Travis County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location within their county. Visit www.wilcotx.gov and www.traviscountytx.gov for polling locations.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY: R Republican D Democrat *Incumbent
R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassan
D James Talarico U.S. Representative District 10 R Rob Altman R Ben Bius R Robert Brown R Chris Gober R Brandon Hawbaker
R Jessica Karlsruher R Kara King R Scott Macleod R Jenny Garcia Sharon R Jeremy Story D Dawn Marshall D Bernie Reyna
Sample ballot Federal elections U.S. Senate R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale
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D Caitlin Rourk D Linda Trevino U.S. Representative District 11 D Claire Reynolds D Pedro “Pete” Ruiz U.S. Representative District 17 D Milah Flores D J Gordon Mitchell D Casey Shepard U. S. Representative District 31
D Caitlin Rourk D Stuart Whitlow State elections Governor R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Evelyn Brooks
D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz Lieutenant governor R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick* R Esala Wueschner
R Charles Schwertner D Kevin Nelson D Paul Thomasson State Representative District 19 R George Cambanis R Ellen Troxclair D Javi Andrade D Kelly Hall State Representative District 52 R Caroline Harris Davila R Blayre Pena Williamson County Precinct 2 R Rupal Chaudhari R Je Mayes R David McDonald
D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head
R Charles Andrew Crouch R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos R Nathaniel Welch D Patricia Abrego D Jose Navarro Balbuena D Chris Bell
D Marcos Velez Attorney general R Joan Human R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson State Senator, District 5 R Apollo Hernandez R Larry Nance
R William Abel R David L. Berry R John Carter R Steven "Steve" Dowell R Ed Ewald
R Abhiram Garapati R Valentina Gomez R Raymond Hamden R Elvis Lossa R Oer Vince "Shamwow" Shlomi D Justin Early
D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa D Faizan Syed
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183
Transportation
BY BROOKE SJOBERG & DARCY SPRAGUE
Upcoming projects
3
1 New Hope Drive expansion Project: This will complete the design for the expansion of the west end of New Hope Drive from RM 1431 to Lakeline Boulevard. Update: In the design phase • Timeline: Expected completion summer 2027 • Cost: $1.8 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond 2 Lakeline Boulevard shared-use path Project: The project will add a 10-foot paved path connecting New Hope Drive and Little Elm Trail. Update: Design is 90% complete • Timeline: Expected completion winter 2026 • Cost: $2.5 million • Funding source: TxDOT 3 183A Toll at Scottsdale dedicated U-turn Project: This project will shift through-lanes west and construct a new right turn lane at Scottsdale Drive. Update: Design is underway • Timeline: Expected completion winter 2027 • Cost: $1.3 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond 4 Intersection improvements from Whitestone Boulevard to 183A Toll Project: This project will improve vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian safety. Update: Pre-design phase • Timeline: Expected completion winter 2026 • Cost: $2.57 million • Funding Source: 2022 transportation bond 5 RM 1431 Expansion - New Hope to Bagdad Project: The project will widen RM 1431 from four to six lanes between New Hope Drive and Bagdad Road. Update: In design • Timeline: Expected completion winter 2027 • Cost: $8.15 million • Funding source: TBD
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7 183A Toll frontage roads Project: This project will add two lanes on either side of 183A Toll from E. Whitestone to Avery Ranch Boulevard. Update: Construction is underway to build north and southbound frontage roads along 183A • Timeline: Fall 2027 • Cost: $139 million • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation
Ongoing projects
6 Toro Grande Boulevard expansion Project: A The north section from RM 1431 to New Hope Drive will receive intersection and signal improvements, turn lanes and utility upgrades. B The south section will connect RM 1431 south and west to Parmer Lane, and extend Toro Grande Boulevard from Whitestone Boulevard to New Hope Drive. Update: City broke ground Nov. 7 • Timeline: Expected completion spring 2027 • Cost: $36.5 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond
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State
BY HANNAH NORTON
On the heels of what proponents have called “historic” property tax relief, some Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the state can aord to continue increasing the tax exemptions passed during the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions. Texas homeowners are taxed by local government entities, not the state; however, lawmakers can require certain tax exemptions and limit annual local tax increases. When the state creates or expands tax exemptions, it is often constitutionally required to send money to school districts to ensure they do not lose revenue as a result of the lower taxes. Texas is spending $51 billion on property tax relief in scal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. Unless the Legislature rolls back existing tax exemptions, the state will be required to spend that much or more on tax relief every biennium, lawmakers said. Lawmakers question tax break funding
Breaking it down
adding that “the money is not still coming in.” “I do have a lot of concerns about how are we going to pay for this going forward?” she said.
Texas saw large budget surpluses due to federal COVID-19 funding and high sales tax revenues, Rep. Donna Howard, DAustin, said Nov. 20,
How Texas spends its money Texas lawmakers dedicated $51 billion, or 15% of the $338 billion biennial state budget, to property tax relief.
Money allocated
Percentage of total
Fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27
Budget item
Agencies of education
$134.7B $105.7B $48.5B $19.8B
39.8% 31.3% 14.3% 5.8%
1
Health and human services
2
Business and economic development Public safety and criminal justice
3
4
General government Natural resources
$11.9B $8.1B $6.7B $1.2B $0.5B
3.5% 2.4%
5 6 7 8 9
2%
7 8 9
Regulatory
2%
0.4%
Judiciary
0.4% 0.2%
0.2%
Legislature
NOTE: NUMBERS MAY NOT TOTAL 100% DUE TO ROUNDING.
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The debate
“We’re kind of maxed out at what we can do for property tax reform, from a budget perspective.” SEN. CHARLES PERRY, RLUBBOCK
homeowners and lowering the age at which Texans qualify for additional tax relief. Patrick said his plan would cost about $4 billion, while Abbott had not released a cost estimate as of press time. Abbott and Patrick’s seats are up for election in 2026, alongside about half of the Texas Senate and the full Texas House.
Multiple plans to further expand tax relief are in the works ahead of Texas’ 2027 legislative session. Abbott proposed a six-part plan to limit local government spending, make it harder for tax hikes to pass in local elections and ask Texans to vote to eliminate school property taxes. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick suggested continuing raising tax breaks for
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Health & wellness
BY DANIEL SCHWALM
Health & Wellness Edition 2026
Welcome to our Health and Wellness guide! The older I get, the more I nd myself thinking about wellness. What seemed like a funny topic worth little consideration to me as a child is now everywhere I look. For this guide, we focus on wellness rooted in health—so, stories about parks, the YMCA, digital detoxing and other options to get moving in the new year.
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The city of Cedar Park made progress on several projects to improve and expand public parks in 2025. Some notable updates include: Brushy Creek North Fork Trail City leaders cut the ribbon on the Brushy Creek North Fork Trail in January 2025. The three-mile trail starts near the intersection of West Parmer Lane and East Whitestone Boulevard. To the south, the trail connects to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. Timber Trail connection at Bell Park The connection of the trail at Bell Park to Timber Trail was completed in March, according to the Improvements made to Cedar Park parks in 2025
The Brushy Creek North Fork Trail in Cedar Park is roughly three miles long and starts near the intersection of West Parmer Lane and East Whitestone Boulevard. (Courtesy Cedar Park)
city’s website. Bell Park opened in late 2024 along Cluck Creek and includes a playground in addition to approxi- mately 4,000 feet of new trail. Updated lighting control systems New lighting control systems have been installed at all city tennis courts. The city says the new systems enable sta to be more ecient by eliminating the need to visit each site to adjust lighting timers and by remotely alerting them to potential light or power failures.
The big picture In 2022, Cedar Park voters approved $42 million in bonds for parks and recreation projects. Many of those projects are ongoing, including further development at Lakeline Park, improve- ments to playing elds at Brushy Creek Sports Park, trail reconstruction in Milburn Park and Brushy Creek Lake Park, and expansion of the Veterans Memorial Park pool.
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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Health & wellness
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
BY DANIEL SCHWALM
Twin Lakes Family YMCA expansions slated to open by summer
Round Rock is moving forward with the rst project in an expansion to the city’s accessible Play for All Park. The expansion is funded both by 2023 bond funds and a grant from Republic Services Recycling and will be sustainability-themed. The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department was awarded the National Neighborhood Promise grant from Republic Services in January. The $250,000 funds branded playground equipment, while the city will pay $536,468 to prepare a site for and install the new equipment in an undeveloped portion of the park, city documents show. Play for All Park to expand with new equipment
What's next
Did you know?
Included in plans for the park expansion are:
A Republic Services-themed recycling truck slide
“We’re really excited about this,” Arredondo said. “We think it’s going to really be a great thing to bring to not only the Cedar Park community, but all of our surrounding Central Texas areas, and then, of course, anybody from outside of our area looking for something to do. We’ve got so much great tourism available here now.” The YMCA of Central Texas is still open to donations to help cover the cost of the expansions. The following naming opportunities are available for donations of a certain amount:
The bond-funded expansion to the park will also include a replacement of Dennis’s Dream Playground, a 14-year- old section of the park that served as the original all-abilities play area of the park. Per the city, the play structure is named for Dennis Seymore, a child with mobility challenges whose father advocated for accessible play spaces. Work on the expansion began in December and is expected to be completed in spring or summer 2026.
Interactive play recycling center
Two major projects at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park are slated to open at the end of May, Laura Arredondo, YMCA of Central Texas chief marketing ocer, said. The YMCA broke ground on the Avery Family Pavilion and the ORR Family RCI Adventure Course in May 2025. The pavilion will serve as a place for everything from sports to birthdays and weddings. The RCI Adventure Course will feature zip lines, ropes courses, a sky trail and multilevel climbing structures for children and adults. The ORR Family RCI Adventure Course will be the only course of its kind in the greater Austin area, Arredondo said. In all, the projects will cover about 20,000 square feet.
Interactive wall
Accessible globe spinner
PLAY FOR ALL ABILITIES PARK
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• Breezeway for $25,000 • Party deck for $25,000
BRUSHY CREEK TRAIL
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PALM VALLEY COVE
N. A.W. GRIMES BLVD.
• Concession stand for $15,000 • Ticketing booth for $15,000 • Picnic tables for $5,000
E. LITTLE ELM TRAIL
The ORR Family RCI Adventure course is under construction at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA.
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A Republic Services-themed recycling truck slide will be added to Round Rock’s Play for All Park.
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SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCKCOMMUNITY IMPACT
HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401
NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316
CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681
ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health & wellness
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
As excessive technology use has gained more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are oering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits. Nick Hoenes, Omega’s executive clinical director, said youth in their late teens or young adults in their early 20s are more likely to visit for help. However, he also said the center sees people “across generations” who have experienced family discord, job loss or have dropped out of school. “What we’re talking about is compulsive technology use that is interfering with some function of life,” Hoenes said. Rising tech use prompts digital detoxing e orts
The impact
Tips and tricks
Daily time spent on social networking by users worldwide
As part of the programs oered at Omega Recovery, the center works with recovery home partners that provide clients with a technology-free environment. Clients might stay with the home partner and participate in activities outside of the digital world, such hiking, going to Zilker Park and enjoying community meals. Hoenes also recommends that even those without a technology addiction practice moderation and said there are avenues for people to do this on their own. For instance, he said more people are swapping out their smartphones for “dumb phones,” or devices with limited capabilities and no access to the internet. “People can leave video game consoles, laptops and things like that with a trusted friend, or put them somewhere you’re not going to access them, and go about that for 30 days and see what the dierence is after that time,” he said. Other steps people can take to curb their tech usage is limit their screen time to 20 minutes after they get home from work, and avoid “doom scrolling.” If people are curious about how technology is impacting their life, Hoenes recommends they journal how they felt before and after they get onto social media, scroll through websites or play a game on their phone. Those looking for support can also attend free Internet & Technology Addicts Anonymous meetings at 10 a.m. every Friday at the Omega Recovery campus, which is located at 1710 Evergreen Ave., Ste. B Austin.
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141
120
90
90
60
0
SOURCE: STATISTACOMMUNITY IMPACT
With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine. According to the Center for Internet & Tech- nology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and 31% of adults say they’re online “almost constantly.” Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of addiction known as “gaming disorder” on its ocial disease classi cation list. With online gaming, Hoenes said skilled players often receive positive feedback or social validation, making it more dicult to put the controller down. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that prob- lematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.
Daily screen time Percent distribution of teenagers, ages 12-17, by hours of daily screen time
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Less than 1 hour
1 hour 2 hours
3 hours
4 hours or more
NOTE: TOTAL DOES NOT ADD UP TO 100 DUE TO ROUNDING SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
CONCIERGE PRIMARY CARE FOR MEN
Schedule a no-cost 20-minute consult today
Michael Bevins MD, PhD, FAAFP, DABOM
3000 Polar Ln, #901 Cedar Park, TX b1menshealth.com • 512-967-6254
21
CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
From the cover
Wellness hub brings options to Cedar Park area The Crossover sits on the border of Cedar Park and Leander, bringing together a range of businesses o ering recreational and competi- tive athletic training as well as dining, events, physical therapy and more. The facility opened in 2020, but Eric Perardi, a Central Texas real estate developer, started planning out what The Crossover could be in 2015. Perardi played collegiate Division 1 ice hockey and is a father to four children who were all involved in unique extracurricular activities, including hockey. The experience of being an athlete, coupled with ushering kids to di erent sporting events, led him to create a hub for all families to nd entertainment under one roof— similar to a mall. “The real vision that I went to my investors with and our partners and the team was, ‘Could we create an environment where a family could come and they could have multiple things to do with all of their children and then they could meet up for food and dinner or time together?’” Perardi said. Now, it’s home to two ice rinks, an outdoor eld, pickleball courts, food trucks, a church and more. “This is more than a wellness center or an ice rink [or] a sports facility,” Mel Kirkland, Cedar Park city council member, said. “It’s a lifestyle. It is a complete lifestyle place for people in the community.” Adam Powell, general manager with Oak View Group, oversees daily operations, and also comes from a hockey background. “We try to treat everyone in this building like they’re family and try to make them all feel like they’re a part of the team,” Powell said. In the future, The Crossover expects to welcome more tenants, including a children’s gym, as well as expand parking to include 55 additional spots and a drop-o area. Crews are working on additional parking to help mitigate parking lot congestion, which is The Crossover’s biggest problem, Perardi said.
MAIN ENTRANCE
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INDOOR ICE AND FIELD
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+0.5 PER ADDITIONAL POINT SIZE
0.5 PER ADDITIONAL POINT SIZE
INDOOR ICE AND FIELD
OUTDOOR ICE AND FIELD
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10 11 18B
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First Floor
Second Floor
SOURCE: CROSSOVERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Health and wellness
Food options
1 ROI Physical Therapy & Sports Performance The business oers physical therapy, strength and conditioning training, nutrition consultation, and massage services. • Ste. 220 • www.teamroi.com 2 Vessel Longevity IV Bar The health and vitality company provides customized IV cocktails, vitamin boosts and shots. • Ste. 120 • www.vessel-tx.com 3 Moench Method Bodywork The massage therapy practice uses myofascial release, ischemic pressure and deep tissue massage techniques. • Ste. 115 • www.moenchmethodbodywork.com 4 Dynamic Sports Medicine The sports chiropractic care facility provides athlete recovery services, cupping therapy, dry needling, spinal decompression and more. • Ste. 115 • www.dynamicsportsmedicine.com 5 HK Nutrition Registered dietitians and nutritionists oer meal planning, education and recommendations. • Ste. 100D • www.hknutritiontx.com 6 Harbor Leadership Academy The independent school oers personalized education and training for students with learning disabilities. • Ste. 103 • www.harboracademy.org
7 Skye’s Ice The Italian ice truck serves gluten-free, fat-free, dairy-free and vegan options with acaí bowls and Italian ice scoops. • Outdoor food truck park • www.skyesice.com 8 Summer Blends Cafe The salad bar truck has vegan and vegetarian options and serves salads, burritos, bowls, paninis and wraps. • Outdoor food truck park • www.summerblendscafe.com
Sports
9 HK Taekwondo The martial arts facility is home to USA Taekwondo National team members, and oers taekwondo classes for all skill levels for ages 4 and older. • Ste. 100D • www.hk-tkd.com 10 i9 Sports The youth sports organization oers leagues and clinics for ag football, soccer and baseball. • Outdoor turf at Ice & Field at The Crossover • www.i9sports.com 11 Lonestar Soccer Club The youth soccer program oers leagues and camps for children ages 3-18. • Outdoor turf at Ice & Field at The Crossover • www.lonestar-sc.com 12 Müv Dance & Fitness The studio oers recreational classes and competitive dance for students ages 18 months and older. • Second floor of The Crossover • www.muv678.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KATLYNN FOX
13 Austin Metro hockey Association The association provides recreational and travel leagues as well as introductory programs for youth. • Ste. 100 • www.austinmetrohockey.org 14 Pro Ice The ice skating pro shop sells boots and blades, apparel, accessories and related services. • Ste. 102 • www.instagram.com/pro_ice_ 15 Spike Frog Volleyball The program oers recreational youth training and leagues. • First floor of The Crossover • www.spikefrog.org
Sports
Sports
16 Austin Velocity Volleyball Club The competitive volleyball club oers training and
18 Ice & Field at The Crossover Ice and Field oers indoor and outdoor spaces including two full-sized rinks with public skating, hockey programs, gure skating programs, event spaces and outdoor turf eld rentals. • 18A Rinks; 18B Fields • Ste. 100 • https://iceandield.com
19 Fieldhouse at The Crossover The concept oers pickleball and professional-size sand volleyball court reservations. • Ste. 160 • www.theieldhousetexas.com
camps for players ages 11-18. • First floor of The Crossover • www.austinvelocity.com
17 TPH Academy Austin The program oers athletic training and instruction.
• First floor of The Crossover • www.tphacademy.com/austin
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23
CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Health & wellness
BY KATLYNN FOX
Instill Coee serves organic roasts with a wellness approach
Ryan Bell spent his college years working in corporate co ee shops, connecting with regular cus- tomers while simultaneously learning their orders and stories. Bell later became a teacher, but in the back of his mind, he always thought about returning to the co ee industry with the goal of improving the work environment. Bell met his wife, Michelle, on a blind date at a co ee shop in 2018, which further connected them to the co ee industry. The setup In 2020, the pandemic and uncertainty for the future led Ryan and Michelle Bell to pursue their dream of opening a co ee truck. “I wanted to retire from corporate America, and I wanted to do something more ful lling with my life,” Michelle Bell said. Three years later, they opened their brick- and-mortar in Cedar Park, serving organic co ee with the message to “instill good [and] inspire community.” What they oer The Instill Co ee Co. menu features a selection of organic co ee, matcha, sweet and savory toasts, and pastries. “[With] our co ee itself, we try to go either ful- ly-certi ed organic or grown with organic practices,” Ryan Bell said. “Some of the smaller farms can’t a ord the organic certi cation process because it’s six gures, it’s a lot of money. We do know, though, that they grow with organic practices.” The drink that inspired Michelle and Ryan Bell to open the shop is the Long Buzz Latte, which they previously made at home. The drink includes organic medium-chain triglycerides oil, espresso, ghee and steamed milk. A popular food item is the Not So Simple Avocado Toast made with avocado, lemon, pepper, radish, cilantro, sesame seeds, crème fraîche and organic serrano sauce. “At home with my kids, I’m very cautious on what they eat and what they drink,” Michelle Bell said. “I wanted to open a co ee shop that reects that.” Staying local Ryan and Michelle Bell source as many products for the business from Texas as possible, including the beer, wine and co ee selection. “We want to employ as many Texans as possible,” Ryan Bell said. “Everything we possibly can, we get
In addition to organic coee, Instill Coee Co. also uses organic cane and brown sugar to make all their syrups in house.
PHOTOS BY KATLYNN FOX COMMUNITY IMPACT
A popular food item is the Not So Simple Avocado Toast made with lemon, radish, crème fraîche and organic serrano sauce on local bread ($11) .
Owners Michelle Bell and Ryan Bell favorite drinks are The Lion and Buttery Cinnamon Roll Latte.
made in Texas or is... warehoused in Texas.” In addition to supporting Texans at large, they also collaborate with local organizations in Cedar Park and Central Texas. In November, they host a food drive for Reveal Resource Center at the shop, and each Sunday they provide co ee donations to local churches. “What brings happiness [and] joy is being with people and giving back to your community, being a village together,” Michelle Bell said.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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