HUTTO – A master plan concept designed to make Fritz Park an “authentic f lagship park” for the city premiered at the Jan. 19 council meeting.
Representatives from Burditt Consultants showed renderings and presented a cost estimate that will vary based on different options council could choose, including a skate park.
Parks and recreation superintendent Jeff White explained that the funds would come from already approved bonds.
“In November 2018 Hutto voters approved Proposition C, the bond package for $50 million for parks and recreation, and in 2019, council authorized an agreement with Burditt Consultants to oversee professional services for that bond,” said Jeff White, parks and recreation superintendent.
White said city staff met with Burditt in fall of 2022 to request an updated concept plan for Fritz Park, which was approved by the parks advisory board in December.
The 33-acre park where Hutto holds community events, 5K runs and cornhole leagues opened in June 2005, and many of the original amenities are nearing the end of their lifespan, according to the city.
In November, the historic bridge spanning Cottonwood Creek was closed, labeled unsafe due to structural issues.
The master-plan rendering shows a splash pad, separate playgrounds for toddlers and bigger kids, a new trail around the park, a new lake, more parking, areas for concerts and events, a mountain bike track and places for quiet relaxation among other things. The plan includes repairing the existing pavilion and resurfacing the basketball courts.
Shane Howard of Burditt Consultants said that three “quiet nodes” are designed near the less-occupied portion of the park.
“Some of this is not only for older residents or couples to have a nice evening walk but also for children with autism so they have an opportunity to play at the playground but then separate and get a little bit of quiet time and a space to themselves,” Howard said.
While the estimate showed a cost starting at $9.8 million, Howard said that at this stage the city needs to finalize decisions before an actual budget can be created.
He said he expected a total cost of between $10 million to $15 million, depending on choices such as whether to renovate the existing restrooms or completely rebuild them, and whether to add a shade structure over the basketball courts.
“I’d like to see if we could reach out to all these new commercial entities that are coming into Hutto and see if they want to partner to get naming rights,” said Councilmember Randal Clark. “If we could do those things then we’ll have that dollar cost that’s not on the taxpayer.”
Mayor Mike Snyder seconded Clark’s idea.
“I’ve seen other cities really build great things and utilize the private sector in that building,” he said. “I think the city has a huge opportunity with all these places coming in. I think it’s very doable with rolling up our sleeves and working at it.”
Renderings and the cost estimate can be found on the city’s website, and the public is encouraged to email their comments to [email protected].
Courtesy Photo / City of Hutto
