Lakeway gave residents an update this week on the five projects funded by the $22 million parks bond voters approved in 2024, and the theme was rising construction costs. Parks and recreation director Andra Bennett told City Council on Monday that staff are working to keep every project as close to budget as possible.

Butler Rough Hollow Park, near Rough Hollow Elementary off Crosswind Drive, is the furthest along. Construction began in July, crews are now installing utilities and pouring concrete, and the 11-acre park is on track to open in summer 2027 with an amphitheater, bike and walking trails, a playground and spaces for baseball and basketball. A local developer also chipped in $50,000 toward the work in September.

Lakeway City Park is still in design and currently runs about $1.9 million over its $9.5 million construction budget, with construction expected to start in fall 2027. Pickleball players are pushing for four extra courts, but the current plan replaces the existing four and adds two, and more may not fit the budget. The Lakeway Swim Center and Live Oak Tennis Courts projects are in earlier stages, and the city is talking with the U.S. Tennis Association about grant money for the courts.

Source: Austin American-Statesman (Lake Travis View)