BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Brushy Creek trail work continues
A closer look
In Cedar Park, work is ongoing on the Brushy Creek North Fork Trail, which starts near West Parmer Lane and will extend to the existing trail near Brushy Creek Road. Round Rock’s Heritage Trail East and Heritage Trail West projects also tie into the regional trail system. Sara Bustilloz, Round Rock’s communi- cations and marketing director, said the western trail resumed construction earlier in 2023 and the eastern portion is not yet in the works. Hutto’s portion of the trail remains undeveloped due to a lack of funding, Director of Communica- tions Allison Strupeck said. Williamson County has proposed in its five-year capital plan to create a trail link to Hutto that would run under SH 130 to Adam Orgain Park.
featuring splash pads, climbing rocks, fishing docks, canoeing and kayaking, picnic areas, and more along the trail. Russell Fishbeck, Williamson County parks and recreation senior director, explained that the county is responsible for trail segments that lie outside of city limits, called the extraterritorial jurisdiction. For portions of the trail within each city, each city is responsible for the funding and construction of its segments within its boundaries.
The vision for a regional trail project connecting Williamson County communities was born nearly 25 years ago. Now, the cities of Cedar Park, Round Rock and Hutto are working to fund and construct trails and parks to bring this vision to life. The ambitious Brushy Creek Regional Trail aims to connect these three cities through a shared- use trail for walkers, joggers and bikers. The project would ultimately link residential communities to commercial spaces with parks
Several Williamson County segments are completed or planned for, and portions in Cedar Park and Round Rock are seeing movement. Hutto’s timeline remains unknown.
Brushy Creek Trail
In progress
Proposed
175
Williamson County trail segment
Cedar Park
130 TOLL
Cedar Park Brushy Creek North Fork Trail
Going forward
Round Rock
Hutto
1431
D
35
Round Rock Heritage Trail East
CHISHOLM TRAIL PKWY.
OLD SETTLERS PARK
For Williamson County, Fishbeck said a consultant is designing the 1.5-mile gap at Hairy Man Road between Cedar Park and Round Rock. The county is proposing a $59 million bond in November for more trail projects— including this gap. “It’s an ongoing vision of the county and these communities,” Fishbeck said. “Due to the complexities of how it happens, when funding becomes available and who’s willing to participate, it’s hard to put a timeline on it.”
HAIRY MAN RD.
79
N. GEORGETOWN ST.
Round Rock Heritage Trail West
BRUSHY CREEK LAKE PARK
Williamson County Round Rock/Hutto trail segment
Pflugerville
N
MAP NOT TO SCALE
SOURCES: CITIES OF CEDAR PARK & ROUND ROCK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
21
CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
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