Round Rock Edition | March 2025

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 7  MARCH 8 APRIL 4, 2025

2025 Camp Guide

BY BROOKE SJOBERG The District to elevate Round Rock The rst building to go vertical—a seven-story multifamily residential building—was designed to be just as attractive from the roof as the curb, with plans indicating that buildings could be as tall as 15 stories. The walkable development promises over Mark IV Capital. While the project is expected to generate tax rev- enue for the city, developers also hope it will serve as an example of how a community with limited space for growth can expand upward instead of outward.

By the rst quarter of 2027, the rst phase of an estimated $525 million project will bring high- rises and density to an area most Round Rock residents think of as cow pasture. Known as The District, the mixed-use devel- opment rst announced in 2017 by developer Mark IV Capital broke ground eight years later, on March 6.

4 million square feet of residential, hotel, retail, restaurant and oŠce space on a 65-acre plot of land, said Randall Tuller, senior vice president at

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Developers broke ground March 6 on The District in Round Rock.

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RENDERING COURTESY MARK IV CAPITAL

Also in this issue Impacts: Check out the latest pickleball business to open in Round Rock (Page 7)

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Transportation: Catch up on the latest local road projects (Page 14)

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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. About Community Impact

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Scha›er

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts Round Rock

testing and VO2 Max Žtness assessments. DEXA scans measure bone density, and the DEXAFit scan uses AI to take biological age and major health concerns into consideration during scans. • Opened Jan. 28 • 3309 Forest Creek Drive, Ste. 501, Round Rock • https://roundrock.dexaœit.com 5 Innite Fitness The gym’s oerings include personal training and small group training built around busy adults over the age of 35, as stated on the company’s website. One-on- one training includes low-impact workouts with a personalized workout regimen and a guided nutrition plan. The business has two additional locations in Shoal Creek and Steiner Ranch. • Opened Jan. 20 • 1901 Town Centre Drive, Round Rock • www.inœiniteœitnessaustin.com 6 MKY Apparels The business oers custom team uniforms for a variety of sports, in addition to cheer bows, soft shell helmets and caps. Uniforms can be made for men, women and children. • Opened Jan. 21 • 17004 Joe Barbee Drive, Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.mkyapparels.com 7 Prestige Animal Wellness Located inside of A Crate Escape, the veterinary o¢ce provides a range of services, including vaccines, spays, neuters, dentistry, surgery and more. The business also provides urgent and emergency veterinary care. The locally owned practice is led by Dr. Oliver Engle, who has 24 years of experience taking care of pets. • Opened Nov. 18 • 1301 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.prestigeanimalwellnesstx.com 8 Skechers Warehouse Outlet The footwear retailer oers a variety of shoes, active apparel and sports equipment for men, women and children. The retailer has another store location in the Round Rock Premium Outlets, at 4401 N. I-35, Ste. 729, Round Rock. • Opened in February

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• Opened Jan. 12 • 115 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 510, Round Rock • www.coffee-enlightenment.com

Now open

1 City Vet The pet clinic oers a variety of preventative and urgent care, including medical, dental and surgical services. CityVet also oers grooming, bathing and pharmacy

3 The Dead Poet Cork & Barrel Craft Kitchen and Microbrewery launched a new experience in January for guests looking for a laid-back atmosphere. Reservations for the speakeasy can be made on the Cork & Barrel site, and conŽrmation emails will include instructions to access the not-so- secret spot. • Opened in January

services for pets. • Opened Dec. 16 • 7401 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.cityvet.com

• 4000 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.corkandbarrelpub.com/dead-poet

2 Coee Enlightenment The coee shop and roaster oering local roasts, brews and pastries, opened in Round Rock in January. The shop also oers guided coee experiences to educate customers about best brewing practices, coee ƒights and wholesale beans.

4 DEXAFit Owner Micheal Etheridge said the business oers AI-enhanced DEXA scans, resting metabolic rate

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• 2701 Parker Drive, Round Rock • www.skechers.com

Now open

Now open

9 Valvoline Instant Oil Change The car maintenance shop oers preventive car care services, including oil changes, tire rotations, radiator ƒushes and more. • Opened in January • 623 University Blvd., Round Rock • www.vioc.com

Coming soon

Kitchen Tune-Up The franchise, a home renovation business serving the Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander areas, will have its grand opening April 1. Franchisees Dhara and Sid Sanghavi operate the local franchise, as well as Bath Tune-Up, which serves the same areas. Services include cabinet restoration, refacing, repainting, door replacement, custom cabinetry and full kitchen remodels. The company also oers free in-home consultations. • Opening April 1 • www.kitchentuneup.com

12 JuiceLand The juice and smoothie was founded in 2011 by Matt Shook and has since expanded to 42 locations and counting in Dallas, Austin and Houston. JuiceLand oers smoothies, wellness shots, lattes, cold-pressed juice and plant-based meals. • Opened Jan. 30 • 603 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. B150, Round Rock • www.juiceland.com

14 The Picklr The business features eight indoor courts with outdoor surfacing, AI coaching, private event areas, a pro shop, league play, tournaments, court reservations and locker rooms with showers. Interested individuals may purchase a monthly or annual membership starting at $89 monthly. • Opened Jan. 18 • 3021 S. I-35, Ste. 240, Round Rock • www.thepicklr.com/location/round-rock

Relocations

10 Chef TLC’s Sidewalk Cafe The catering business, owned by Teri and Mike Contois, relocated into a brick-and-mortar space near Palm Valley Boulevard in November. After operating out of ghost kitchens for the last few years, Teri Contois said she is working to expand her drop-o and pickup catering business, which is available to order through DoorDash and her own website. • Relocated in November • 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 430, Round Rock • www.cheftlcssidewalkcafe.com

cuisine including lumpia, pancit, pork barbecue, pinoy curry and whole fried Žsh. • 2021 N. Mays St., Ste. 1000, Round Rock • Facebook: Little Mama’s Authentic Filipino Cuisine 13 Zorba Greek Restaurant The restaurant marked 20 years of operation in February. Zorba serves Greek food, such as hummus, gyros and chicken shawarma as well as a variety of vegetarian plates.

Closings

15 Party City The Round Rock location in the Boardwalk Center is one of many stores that will close, after the retailer announced its Žling for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December. While the store is holding a closing sale, including Žxtures, furniture and equipment, it is not known when exactly the store will close, per a store employee. • Closing TBD • 2601 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.partycity.com

• 2601 N. I-35, Ste. 500, Round Rock • www.zorbagreekrestaurant.com

In the news

11 Little Mama’s The restaurant celebrated 10 years of business in January. The business’ menu oers traditional Filipino

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts

Pugerville

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1 Fina African Hair Braiding Fina African Hair Braiding, owned by Fina Idehen, celebrated its 10-year anniversary serving the Pugerville community. The salon provides expert hair- braiding and beauty supplies. • 103 W. Pecan St., Ste. B, Pflugerville • ‚inaafricanhairbraiding.com 2 Mattress Gallery Direct The mattress store will move into the Cornerstone at Kelly Lane development, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Registration ˆling. The project is set to start in March and ˆnish this summer. • 18725 FM 685, Ste. 110, Pflugerville • mattressgallerydirecttexas.com 3 PC Liquors A liquor store is planned for the Shoppes at Wells Branch, according to a ˆling with TDLR. The project has a completion date in December. • 1500 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Ste. 230, Pflugerville

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BY GRACIE WARHURST

Pugerville, a media contact conˆrmed. The decision came after “reevaluating the upcoming sites in its portfolio.” The well-known diner was originally slated to move into the Cornerstone at Kelly Lane development. • 18725 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.snoozeeatery.com

In the news

Coming soon

5 Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

The restaurant, located in Pugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center, is now under new ownership. Kevin Noe took over as the local franchise owner. According to a social media post, the new team will revamp the store’s interior and exterior. • 18816 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 500, Pflugerville • nypizzeria.com

8 Springhill Restaurant The restaurant is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Locally owned by Carroll Humphrey and Jack Payne, Springhill o£ers daily specials, catˆsh, shrimp, steaks, burgers, salads and desserts for dining in-house, to go or for delivery. A fully loaded lunch bu£et as well as two rooms for

7 Chicken Salad Chick A Chicken Salad Chick is coming to Pugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center. Commercial real estate ˆrm NewQuest leased the 2,584-square-foot space behind the recently opened Gen Korean BBQ. An opening date hasn’t been announced, although a permit to ˆnish the out the building interior was issued by the city in December. • Opening TBD • 18900 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • chickensaladchick.com

Closings

6 Dairy Queen The Pugerville Dairy Queen is now permanently closed, according to a sign posted on its door front. The location is one of 24 in Central Texas to be sold. • Closed in February

private parties are also available. • 2505 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • springhillcat‚ish.net

• 1701 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.dairyqueen.com/en-us/

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts Hutto

Lawrence Williams, will be designed to host a variety of events and classes that celebrate the art of mixology. • Opening March 29 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 28, Hutto • www.grapesandrye.com

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1 Sonora Bank The bank oers personal and business accounts as well as various loans, including mortgage and vehicle. Sonora Bank rst opened in Sonora in 1900 and has several locations throughout Central Texas. • Opened Feb. 25 • 251 Exchange Blvd., Hutto • www.sonorabank.com

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4 Bella Sicilia Pizzeria Formerly known as Anthony’s Pizzeria, the restaurant changed ownership in December. Now owned by Emanuel and Marianna Minardi, the eatery was renamed to Bella Sicilia Pizzeria, oering a variety of pizzas, sandwiches and calzones. • 409 W. Front St., Ste. 240, Hutto • www.orderpizzasonline.com 5 EVO Entertainment Plans for the 54,000-square-foot EVO Entertainment Center under construction in Hutto have changed, as the venue’s parent company Elevate Entertainment Group has separated from its partner Es Vedra Cinemas. The venue set to open in May will no longer retain the EVO brand, but plans still include movie theaters, bowling and arcade gaming.

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2 Cottonwood Creek Brewery The brewery and smokehouse is expected to open in Hutto this month, with plans to serve a range of craft beer and scratch-made food. The business will also have cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. • Opening in March • 610 Hwy. 79, Hutto • www.cottonwoodcreekbrewery.com 3 Grapes & Rye Grapes & Rye, a curated cocktail and mobile tap trailer business, will open a physical location in Hutto. The new space, owned by owned by Rachel Green-Williams and

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• 180 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.evo-cinemas.com

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Now open

Now open

Now open

6 Humble Beast Strength A new 24-hour strength training gym, Humble Beast Strength, opened in Hutto in December. Owned and operated by David Raulston and his son Noah, the gym oers regular membership as well as personal training services. The business also oers free basic training classes to help people get started in their tness journey. • Opened Dec. 30 • 520 CR 108, Ste. 12, Hutto • www.humblebeaststrength.com

7 Merge Barbershop The shop, owned by Teshe Melcher, features ve barbers oering both walk-ins and appointments. Melcher said the shop’s mission is to merge community and small businesses by featuring local products and art inside the business, which sits between Hutto Wine Bar and Lamppost Coee.

8 Jack Allen’s Kitchen The restaurant is nearing its opening date in Hutto. Known for its menu of Southern comfort food, the eatery will span around 7,500 square feet, including indoor and outdoor dining areas. It will also feature a bar with frozen beverages, wine on tap and single-barrel bourbon from distillers throughout the country. • Opened March 4 • 211 Co-Op Blvd., Hutto • www.jackallenskitchen.com

• Opened in October • 107 East St., Hutto • www.mergebarbershop.com

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Government

BY ANNA MANESS & GRACIE WARHURST

On Feb. 13, Round Rock City Council introduced Kevin Klosterboer as the new chief nancial ocer following Susan Morgan’s retirement from the position after 10 years. The background Klosterboer comes from the city of Cedar Park, where he worked as the nancial director, and previously served Kevin Klosterboer named city CFO

$2.7M project to expand water reuse system Round Rock approved a contract with Prota to strengthen its water reuse system at a meeting Feb. 27. The $2.7 million project will add a dual electric feed and additional pumps. The gist The scope of work for the project includes upgrading the single electric utility feed to a dual feed, which will increase the electrical power sup- ply used to operate the pump station. The station will also receive another transport pump to get the reuse water to the tank, and another high-service pump to pump the water into the system. Round Rocks’ water reuse facility requires these additions due to growth, new uses and heavier reliance, according to city ocials. “This is another resiliency for our water reuse system going to the future,” Director of Utilities Michael Thane said at a Feb. 25 packet brieng.

Water reuse pump station

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Brushy Creek East Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

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Some context According to city documents, Round Rock’s reuse water system was initially installed in 2007, and now serves Old Settlers Park, Dell Diamond, Texas State University Round Rock, Austin Com- munity College Round Rock, Vizcaya Homeowners Association, Legends Village Homeowners Associ- ation, Forest Creek Homeowners Association and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.

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Transportation

Road projects move forward in Round Rock Round Rock City Council pushed forward transportation contracts at its Feb. 13 meeting, progressing road projects for Wyoming Springs Boulevard and North Mays Street. The details The ‹rst transportation contract is a supple- mental agreement with Hal Associates for the Wyoming Springs Segment 1 project. The $219,814 contract brings on a bridge inspector. A real estate contract with Fog Break secures land necessary for the right of way for the North Mays gap road project, totaling $835,000. Zooming in Construction on Wyoming Springs began in December and is expected to last two years. The $25.9 million project entails a four-lane divided roadway and shared-use paths.

Downtown Main Street closes temporarily A portion of Main Street in Round Rock will be closed from Feb. 17 to March 14 to accommodate construction of a pedestrian crossing. The gist The closure will aect East Main Street, between Sheppard Street and Lampasas Street. Drivers will detour to East Bagdad Avenue or East Liberty Avenue during this time. The pedestrian crossing will connect Prete Plaza to a new paseo, currently undergoing construction alongside the Gri„th Building remodel, allowing for safer travel while the city continues work. The new crossing will be raised, with the sidewalk extended across the road, and feature bollards and signs for drivers.

Wyoming Springs connection

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The North Mays gap road project will create a small ‹ve-way section to connect the south to north portions.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRACIE WARHURST

County project on Sam Bass Road to nish this year

Round Rock selects contractor for Chisholm Trail Road Cash Construction Company will take the lead for the Chisholm Trail South Project, following City Council’s vote Feb. 13. Construction is planned to begin this spring. About the project The $4.2 million project will aect Chisholm Trail between Sam Bass and the bridge just south of Sunset Drive. Improvements include new asphalt for two middle lanes, upgrades to the drainage and parking, new curb, new sidewalk, antique street lights, and improvements to intersections and street crossings. The project is set to be complete in July 2026.

Williamson County is working to widen Sam Bass Road between RM 1431 and Wyoming Springs Drive. The project began in 2023 and is slated for completion this year. The details After completion, Sam Bass Road will be a three-lane roadway with a continuous center-turn lane and shoulders. Project features include a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians, and intersection improvements. The enhancements will improve safety and mobility on the road, according to the county. What else? So far, the county has completed interim tra„c signal improvements where Sam Bass intersects with RM 1431, Walsh Ranch Boulevard and Great Oaks Drive. Voter-approved bonds from 2019 fund the ‹rst phase of improvements on the road.

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Looking ahead Design for the road project allows for future expansion to six lanes, however Williamson County will not proceed with further expansion until the need arises, according to the county’s project dashboard. A larger expansion will also require additional funding.

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DR. DAVID BAKER has been in practice since 1988, but has known that he wanted to be a dentist since he was seven years old. He attended the University of Texas in San Antonio and went to dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he received the General Practice Award as “Most Likely to Succeed.” SMILE MAKEOVER 6 porcelain veneers for $ 3,990 ($6,000 value) ($6,000 value)

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Education

In January, Round Rock ISD administrators shared that the district was expecting a surplus budget for the 2024-25 school year after selling $9.3 million in district property. Just one month later, unantici- pated changes in how the district receives funding have upended that expectation. A Feb. 20 nan- cial update from the school district shows a potential shortfall of $3.8 million. Current situation Chief Financial O’cer Dennis Covington said the change in RRISD’s nancial position for the current school year is mostly due to complex funding changes, which means the district will once again pay recapture. This is because tax collections are higher than projected in January, Covington said, triggering recapture. That is a payment to the state of local property tax reve- nues that exceed what the district is allowed to keep based on the state’s funding formula. What they’re saying Covington said administrators RRISD’s surplus turns into $3.8M budget shortfall

“We were expecting to get $1.5 million in that cost report and we’re going to get zero because they said they paid us more than we should have gotten last year. In fact, we have to write them a check for $100,000 this year to settle our Medicaid from last year.” DENNIS

COVINGTON, RRISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

were able to reduce the immediate impact of these changes—an $8.1 million projected shortfall—to $3.8 million by identifying $4 million in one-time expenses included in the 2024-25 budget, as well as nding eligible line items that can legally be funded with bond monies. What else? Covington said some other sources of revenue are also expected to decrease, due to pro- jections in estimated investment income as interest rates stayed steady, as well as state revenue and reimbursements for Medic- aid-funded services provided to students.

CITIZENS and STUDENTS keeping communities safe

through anonymous tip reporting. Tips resulting in an arrest may qualify for a reward up to $5,000. Scan for more information.

The Round Rock ISD board of trustees voted to extend the con- tract of Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez through June 30, 2028, in a Superintendent’s contract extended The superintendent’s contract extension does not come with an increase to Azaiez’s base salary, according to the district. How we got here

called meeting on Jan. 30. What you need to know

RRISD rst hired Azaiez in June 2021, after the departure of former Superintendent Steve Flores in 2020.

In addition to a contract exten- sion, the board also approved a bonus of $21,333 to be paid to the superintendent.

Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization and NO TAX DOLLARS are involved.

16

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, ANNA MANESS & BROOKE SJOBERG

Franklin Pierce University ocials and community leaders celebrated the new Round Rock Academic Center on Feb. 18.

COURTESY FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY

Franklin Pierce University’s latest program to produce more physician assistants celebrated a new learning center in Round Rock with a ribbon cutting event Feb. 18. The overview FPU’s Round Rock Academic Center, located on the Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital campus, serves as the university’s home for its hybrid Master of Phy- sician Assistant Studies program Franklin Pierce University opens academic center

in Texas. The 24-month program

combines online learning with in-person clinical training, and the 7,000-square-foot learning facility in Round Rock serves as a space for students participating in the hands-on portion of the graduate program. University o’cials and commu- nity leaders celebrated this new space with a ribbon cutting during the second of four immersion weeks for the program’s rst class of graduates at the academic center. The inaugural class began online in March 2024. The MPAS program will welcome its second cohort of students this March.

Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

Concordia, ACC partner on program

Austin Community College students will have a new transfer program and nancial assistance opportunities to transition to a bachelor’s degree program at Concordia University Texas. The overview In February, the institutions announced Rise at ACC, Shine at CTX—a program to provide ACC

students with a seamless transi- tion to Concordia. ACC students can transfer up to 90 credits toward a degree at Concordia, regardless of the major they pursued at the ACC. The Rise & Shine Transfer Scholarship at Concordia will also recognize eli- gible ACC graduates by providing them with $1,500 per semester.

Scan to schedule a tour

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

© 2025, Challenger Schools · Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

18

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Camp Guide

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Camp Guide! Summertime for kids is not just a break from school, but also a great time for growth. Children have a little more time to explore new interests, build friendships and develop important life skills, such as teamwork, creativity and problem solving. Summer camps provide opportunities that encourage kids to step out of their comfort zones, gain independence and discover new passions. Whether it’s learning leadership skills on the soccer ˜eld, gaining con˜dence on stage in a theater camp or developing problem-solving abilities in a robotics program, there’s a camp for every child. The fun memories kids make at summer camp can last a lifetime! We hope you will ˜nd our local summer camp guide helpful as you plan ahead, and please also notice our advertisers who support the work we do and the delivery of news to your mailbox and inbox.

Premium sponsor

Amy Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com

Round Rock Sports Center and Multipurpose Complex

rrsportscenter.com roundrockmpc.com 5123413125 Train Hard. Player Harder. The Ultimate Summer Camp Experience.

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

British Academy of Soccer Type: sports Ages: 4-18 Dates: May 26-Aug. 8 Cost: starting at $25 per day • Northeast Metropolitan Park, 15500 Sunlight Near Way, Pflugerville • Round Rock Sports Center, 2400 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock • https://britishacademyofsoccer.org Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Type: sports Ages: 7-16 Dates: June 2-Aug. 7 Cost: $275 through May 1, $299 starting June 1 • Various locations • www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com

Children’s Courtyard Type: day camp Grades: k-5 Dates: ˜rst week of June-start of school year in August Cost: varies by location • 3801 Gattis School Road, Round Rock

Round Rock

Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: arts Ages: 5-16 Dates: May 27–Aug. 15 Cost: $299-$479 per week • 3810 Gattis School Road, Ste. 108, Round Rock • www.cordovanartschool.com Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Type: writing Grades: 3-12 Dates: June–July Cost: $400 (two weeks), $550 (three weeks) • Meridian World School, 2555 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.austinlibrary.org

• 3087 FM 1431, Round Rock • www.childrenscourtyard.com

Code Wizards HQ Type: academics Ages: 8-18 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $199-$499 • Various locations • www.codewizardshq.com

Code Ninjas Type: academics Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 2-Aug.8 Cost: $319 for ˜ve-day camps, $259 for four-day camps • 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 104, Round Rock • www.codeninjas.com

CHASCO Family YMCA Type: sports, cooking, day Ages: 5-15 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $132-$185/week • 1801 N. I-35, Round Rock • ymcactx.org

Best Kids Round Rock Type: day Grades: K-5 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $227-$247 per week

• 2401 S. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock • 2000 N. Mays St., Ste. 109, Round Rock • www.bestkidsroundrock.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Community

Camp Guide

Kiddie Academy Type: arts, education

Ages: 5-18 Dates: weeks of June 2, June 9, June 23, July 14 and July 27 Cost: $110-$165 • 77 Twin Ridge Parkway, Round Rock • www.phillipstennis.com Paul Cates Stable Type: horse riding Ages: 5-15 Dates: May 26-30, June 2-6, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30–July 3, July 14-18, July 21-25 Cost: $475-$600 • 2900 Gattis School Road, Round Rock • www.paulcatesstable.com Round Rock Express baseball and softball camps Type: sports Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Cost: varies depending on camp • 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.milb.com/round-rock/community/camps Round Rock Multipurpose Complex Camps Type: sports Ages: 8-13 Dates: May 27-30, June 16-19, July 14-17 Cost: $179

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Round Rock

Grades: K-5 Dates: TBD

Cost: $310 for full week, $190 for Tuesday and Thursday, $250 for Monday, Wednesday and Friday • 5080 N. A.W. Grimes, Round Rock • www.kiddieacademy.com INIC Preschool Spanish Immersion Summer Camp Type: academics, day Ages: 0-7 Dates: June 2–Aug. 1 Cost: $400 per week or $1,450 per month • 2960 Jazz St., Round Rock • www.inic-edu.com Jungle Movement Type: movement Ages: 5-15 Dates: May 26-Aug. 8 Cost: $450 for full-day, $300 for half-day • 2701 Gattis School Road, Unit 100C, Round Rock • www.junglemovement.com

ESTEAM Learning Labs Type: academics, STEM Ages: 4-16 Dates: various weeks June-August Cost: $225 for half-day camp, $425 for full-day camp

• 12A Lake Drive, Round Rock • www.esteamlearninglabs.com

Fun 2 Learn Code Type: academics Ages: 8-15 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $129-$199 per week • Remote/virtual • https://fun2learncode.com/camps Greater Austin Dance Academy Type: dance Ages: 3-11 Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Cost: $215 • 2641 Forest Creek Drive, Round Rock • www.greateraustindance.com

Mack Philips Tennis Academy Type: tennis

Summer ART CAMPS

Buy 3, Get 4th Camp FREE* or $25 off any Half-Day Camp Sale applies to 5-Day Camps *Only pay supply fee for 4th camp. Cannot be combined with other offers Expires March 31, 2025 Art Classes / Art Camps / Pottery / Parties CordovanArtSchool.com

20

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 2001 N. Kenney Fort Blvd., Round Rock • www.roundrockmpc.com/sports-programs

Round Rock

Round Rock Parks and Recreation summer camps Type: day, educational, sports, art Ages: 5-14 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $145-$240 • Various locations • www.roundrocktexas.gov

Round Rock sports camps Type: day, sports Ages: 3-17 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $100-$275 • Various locations • www.roundrocktexas.gov

Round Rock adaptive and inclusive day camps Type: day Ages: 5-21 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $45-$200 • Various locations • www.roundrocktexas.gov

Kids Acting Studio Type: arts Ages: 5-16 Dates: May 26-Aug. 15 Cost: $305-$775

• Dance Elements, 1010 Old Austin-Hutto Road, Ste. 400, Pflugerville • The Dance Spot, 4400 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock • The Dance Gallery, 1135 Satellite View, Round Rock • www.kidsactingstudio.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

“ Where every camper leaves knowing someone believes in them! ”

Performing Arts Camps for ages 3-19!

Upbeat, encouraging, fun and educational!

• Charlie, Snoopy & Friends • Annie Kids! • And many more!!

• Pop Princesses • Elphaba vs. Glinda vs. Dorothy • Seussical Kids!

Payment plans, early drop off and late pick up available

www.SOPAAUSTIN.org | 512-800-1906

REGISTER NOW campdoublecreek.com

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Community

Camp Guide

P‚ugerville FC Summer Camp Type: sports Ages: 4-19 Dates: June 9-Aug. 1 Cost: $295 per week • 1404 Royston Lane, Round Rock • www.paysl.org P‚ugerville Martial Arts Academy & After-School Summer Camp Type: arts, sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 22–Aug. 15 Cost: $175-$199 per week • 2700 W. Pecan St., Ste. 301, Pflugerville • www.pflugervilleafterschool.com P‚ugerville Parks and Recreation Summer Pfun Camp Type: outdoors Ages: 6-15 Dates: June 9–Aug. 8 Cost: $105-$175 per week • 700 N. Railroad Ave., Pflugerville • www.pflugervilletx.gov/529/camps Primrose Summer Adventure Club Type: academics, outdoors, sports Grades: K-5 Dates: May 26–Aug. 8 Cost: $350 per week, one-time activity fee • 17721 Colorado Sand Drive, Pflugerville • www.primroseschools.com/schools/ pflugerville-falcon-pointe

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Georgetown

Round Rock

Camp Doublecreek Type: outdoors Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 2–Aug. 8 Cost: $500 per week; discounts for siblings and multiweek campers • 850 CR 225, Georgetown • www.campdoublecreek.com

Round Rock STEAM camps Type: day, educational Ages: 5-13 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $135-$575 • Various locations • www.roundrocktexas.gov

Pflugerville

Round Rock Sports Center Camps Type: sports Ages: 5-13 Dates: June 2-5, June 23-26, July 7-10, July 21-24 Cost: $159-$289 • 2400 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock • www.roundrockmpc.com/sports-programs Snapology Summer Camps Type: academics, STEAM Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Cost: $240 per week (half days), $385 per week (full days) • 3 Indian Meadows Drive, Round Rock • 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock • https://bit.ly/snapology512summercamps

Camp CrossLife Type: religious, day Ages: 3-10

Dates: June 16–July 25 Cost: $350 per week • 4109 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.crosslifepf.academy/camp-crosslife

Crux Climbing Center Type: Sports Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $375-$425 • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Bldg. 3, Pflugerville • www.cruxclimbingcenter.com/pflugerville

The Dance Spot Type: dance Ages: 3-18

D BAT Austin Type: sports, day Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 26-Aug.12 Cost: $75-$325 • 3813 Helios Way, Ste. 240, Pflugerville • www.dbataustin.com KidStrong Type: day, sports, educational Ages: 4-9 Dates: May 26-Aug. 12 Cost: $60 a day, $300 a week • 21315 SH 130 N., Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.kidstrong.com

Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: starting at $192 • 4400 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock • www.dancespotx.com

Hutto

Camp Invention Type: academics Grades: K-6 Dates: July 7-10 Cost: $285 per week • 1005 Exchange Blvd., Hutto • www.invent.org

Wize Computing Academy Summer Camps Type: academics Ages: 4-15 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $240-$385 per week • 2850 Paloma Lake Blvd., Round Rock • 3800 Stone Oak Drive, Round Rock • www.wizeacademy.com/williamson-county-tx

22

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

P‚ugerville

P‚ugerville

InŠnite Hitting baseball and softball camps Type: sports Ages: 6-17 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Costs: Varies by camp/clinic • 21419 Martin Lane, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.in£initeaustintx.com

Lonestar Dance Center Summer Camps & Workshops Type: dance Ages: 3-11 Dates: June 2–Aug. 1

Cost: $195-$245 • 2606 W. Pecan St., Bldg. 2, Ste. 212, Pflugerville • www.lonestardance.com/camps

Creative Learning Center Type: academics Ages: 4-11 Dates: May 23–start of school Cost: $260-plus per week, one-time $150 activity fee

Hutto Parks Kids Summer Camp Type: outdoors Ages: 5-8, 9-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1, Aug. 4-8 (half day) Cost: $160 per week (resident), $185 per week (nonresident)

Cost: $199 per week • 325 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.texasallstarcheer.com The Hutto Family YMCA Type: sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $135-$198 per week • 200 Alliance Blvd., Hutto

• 1527 Chris Kelley Blvd., Hutto • www.creativelearningtx.com

• 3160 Limmer Loop, Hutto • 1005 Exchange Blvd., Hutto • www.huttotx.gov

Texas Allstar Cheer & Dance Summer Camp Type: outdoors, sports Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 26-June 27, July 7-Aug. 8 (tentative)

This list is not comprehensive.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Together, We Can Reduce Wildfire Risks in Williamson County

The number of fire and emergency calls answered by ESD9 every year.

The growth in fire and emergency calls in ESD9 year-over-year.

1,840+

8.3%

Join the effort to prevent wildfires and keep Williamson County safe Learn about the vital work of the Wildlands response team, ESD9, and local fire departments in reducing fire risks. How You Can Make A Difference Clear dry leaves & debris around your home Trim trees & bushes to reduce fire fuel Store firewood & flammables away from structures Follow burn bans & safely extinguish outdoor fires

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 plays a crucial role in fire prevention and emergency response, working to protect one of the fastest- growing areas in Texas

Choose fire-resistant plants & landscaping Keep roads clear for emergency access

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9

402 A West Palm Valley Blvd. Suite 360 Round Rock

www.wilcoesd9.org

(512) 479-9267

Read the full article:

Scan to learn about burn bans in your area

Stay prepared. Stay safe. Protect your community!

24

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

WilCo Sheri Matthew Lindemann works to keep home county safe Williamson County’s newest elected sheri comes with about four decades of law enforce- ment experience. Throughout Matthew Lindemann’s career, which began when he was 19 as a Williamson County jailer, he’s only not been stationed in Williamson County for eight months. Following the Nov. 5 election, Lindemann was sworn in as county sheri Jan. 1. Lindemann sat down with Community Impact to discuss the goals for his ‚rst term. You served as a Texas Ranger earlier in your career. How do you think that experience set you up for your role as county sheri? When you’re a Texas Ranger, you work with local law enforcement agencies on their major investigations. At times, there had been investi- gations that I worked on where there would be 30 or 40 people from di erent agencies working together. ... I had experience in managing people, even though they didn’t work directly for me, but managing major investigations. ... Working with other great people from other great agencies [prepares] you for things that you don’t even realize at the time. What are some steps you’ve made to become more transparent with citizens? About the ‚rst week of February, we put out stats on our website and on our Facebook page. ... It just tells the public where their money’s going— calls for service, the number of people arrested that month, and that’s collectively of all law enforcement. ... A lot of people, they may see one patrol car go down their street in a month’s time. Well, they don’t realize that we answered 10,228 calls for service. During the election, your campaign focused on being “tough on crime.” How is your o ce dealing with crime countywide? Detectives are doing great work every day. Three or four times over the last ‚ve weeks, I’ve seen pictures of search warrants that they executed and seized drugs and weapons that they’ve taken o the street. That’s going to help reduce crime, because that’s one less weapon the bad guys will have to use against people. ... We have a drug interdiction unit that works hard every day trying to take down drugs o the interstate and seize

Lindemann's law enforcement background

1985: Williamson County jailer

1985-1990: Williamson County deputy sheri‡

1990-1997: State trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, serving on the DPS SWAT team 1997-2018: Texas Ranger, including serving on the protective detail for Gov. George W. Bush and Gov. Rick Perry during their campaigns for presidency

2019-2021: Williamson County District Attorney’s OŽce investigator

2021-2024: Williamson County Precinct 3 constable

2025: Williamson County sheri‡

SOURCE: MATTHEW LINDEMANNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

each deputy is between $150,000-$200,000 by the time you buy their vehicle and the equipment that goes in the vehicle and [train] them. ... But that’s just the cost of doing business. [The] main thing I want to do is make sure each one of the deputies comes home safe at the end of every day. In March, you’ll have served in law enforcement for 40 years. ReŠecting on your career, what are you most proud of? Wow, that’s a tough question. I’ve gotten to work with so many talented people over the years that have helped me be a better o–cer, and I’ve had a lot of opportunities given to me that I took full advantage of. I’m very thankful for that. [I’m] thankful to have lived and worked in Williamson County, where I grew up. Hopefully we’ll be able to keep it safe for families for years to come. My grandchildren are being raised here right now, and that’s why Williamson County is so important to me. It’s my home, and I don’t plan on living anywhere else, as far as I know.

money from the criminals, so we can use that to buy equipment and train with. What’s the reasoning behind the expansion of the Juvenile Justice Center, and the proposed sheri’s o ce and jail expansion? With population comes increased crime, so you have to have the facilities to deal with it. If you don’t have places to house people that break the law and commit crimes, then you have to send them to other counties who charge you. ... Over the next eight to 10 years, I fully expect there [to] be a new sheri ’s o–ce, jail and courthouse complex. With more people and more crime com- ing, we have to be able to deal with that to keep Williamson County safe for people to live here, work here, raise their children here. It’s costly, but it’s what’s necessary. What other priorities have come up as you’ve entered this position? I want our personnel to focus on taking care of our most vulnerable population, and that’s seniors and our children. We need to work hard to educate our kids ... not [to] take anything that a doctor or pharmacist or their parents don’t give to them. Our seniors are being victimized daily by phone scams. ... The Sheri ’s O–ce is not going to call anyone and request money from them. ... If [we] have a warrant for their arrest, we’ll probably come out and see them. What’s next for the Sheri’s O ce? We’re going to be asking for probably ... 20 more deputies for next year. And that’s a big ask, because

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

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