PARKS
Construction onRiver Ranch County Park stalled for a year due to contractor issues
confirmed it sent a notice of default to Ritter, Botkin Prime Construction Co., the general contractor on the project, alleging it had failed to meet milestones outlined in the contract, failed to adequately supervise the work that was performed, and failed to build improvements in accordance with the plans and specifications. The county terminated its contract with Ritter, Botkin Prime Construc- tion Co. on June 2, according to the email. “We never imagined it would take a year to get the bonding company to move,” Gravell said. On Feb. 22, Williamson County
Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Design Workshop Inc.—a planning landscape archi- tecture and urban design firm—to outline a new scope of services to complete the remaining work and fix the defective construction at River Ranch County Park. According to the agreement, Design Workshop has until May 31 to draft these plans. Claire Hempel, a principal at Design Workshop, said the firm is on track to meet this deadline. The county will then put out a bid for and retain a new general contractor to execute the remaining work.
BY CLAIRE SHOOP
Gravell said the county had a con- tract in place with a construction company that “wasn’t measuring up” to the county’s standards for the park. The 1,354-acre park, between Leander and Liberty Hill, will include 10-12 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails; campgrounds; playgrounds; RV parking; pavilions; and an interpretive center. In an email, Williamson County
Work to complete River Ranch County Park is back on track after a yearlong delay caused by issues with the contractor, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in an interview with Community Impact Newspaper . COMPLETING RIVER RANCH COUNTY PARK
River Ranch County Park, located in Williamson County between Leander and Liberty Hill, was initially supposed to be complete in 2020 but has experienced delays.
End of 2022: This is the new timeframe for opening the park.
December 2018: Williamson County celebrates breaking ground on the park.
Spring 2020: This is the original timeframe the park was scheduled to open.
2008 2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2008: Williamson County purchases land for River Ranch County Park for $10.63 million.
November 2018: Ritter, Botkin Prime Construction Co. is awarded the $11 million contract.
April 2019: The county buys an additional 350 acres of land for the park for $4.38 million.
June 2021: Williamson County terminates its contract with Ritter, Botkin Prime Construction Co.
February 2022: The county approves a contract with Design Workshop to identify and draw up work left to be done on the project.
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY MARCH 31 - APRIL 2
*Dollar Sale runs Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 3/31/22-4/2/22. Valid on wine and spirits 750ml or larger. Sale items can be shopped in-store ONLY at all Twin Liquors and Sigel’s locations. Selection varies by store. Items and prices subject to change without notice. No further discount on Sale Items, Final Few, or Closeouts. No rain checks. Some exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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