HUTTO — After 18 years, Fritz Park will have new and improved amenities for families to enjoy by fall 2025, city officials said.
The $11 million renovations kicked off Friday, Nov. 8 during a groundbreaking ceremony. To help turn dirt in celebration, the city invited representatives from the project’s architecture firm Burditt Land and Place, contractor STR Constructors and the Hutto Elementary School student council.
Residents can expect a new splash pad, a pump track/skate park, a small stage and lawn, expanded shaded playgrounds and parking, upgraded basketball courts, walking trails with lights and new restrooms.
“This project is about more than just adding new amenities,” City Manager James Earp said at the ceremony. “It’s about investing in the heart of our community. Parks are essential to building a sense of belonging, fostering a strong community spirit and promoting the health and well-being of all Hutto Hippos.”
The changes are part of the city’s capital improvement plan, which Fritz Park has seen little of since it was built in 2006 — all to make Hutto a “premier destination,” according to the city website.
Officials said some of the factors large companies consider when deciding to bring business to a community are a good school system for employees’ children and the strength of a parks and recreation system to ensure those youths have things to do when class is not in session.
“This is a dream that we have had for many, many years — couple of decades,” Parks Advisory Board Chairman Perry Savard said. “It is the beginning of a brighter future for our community. This park will be a vibrant place where families can create lasting memories, and kids can let their imaginations run wild.”
As someone who made memories with their family at the original park, Mayor Pro Tem Peter Gordon is excited for his kids and their families to do the same with the upgraded version.
“There was not a whole lot (in Hutto then), but this park was,” he said. “(My family) enjoyed this park. (My) grandkids … are so excited to have this park. They’ve been waiting a long time to have a beautiful park to come and go to.”
The main part of the park will be closed during construction, but the baseball field, football field and walking trails will remain open.
The park is at 400 Park Ave. For more information on Fritz Park Phase 2, go to HuttoTX.info/Frtiz.
