ARRA paves the way in Hutto

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has given Hutto a new safe way to school. BWM’s Brian Binkowski recently signed off (no small task with Brian’s punch list!) on Chasco’s completion of Cottonwood Trail. BWM has been involved with the planned sidewalk improvements since 2003. Initially, BWM group helped Hutto prepare a TEA-21 TXDoT grant to fund the design of a 10' wide 1.5 mile concrete trail linking downtown Hutto to Hutto area schools. BWM planners identified the most feasible accessible route to provide a safe and cost effective route for its youth. The finished trail provides safe passage under US 79 to school, after school activities, as well as historic downtown Hutto and its surrounding parks. The ARRA made the linkage a reality in 2009 by funding the construction of the trail with $545,478 accompanied by a $284,522 match from Hutto.

Tell us what you think about Onion Creek

Travis County is hosting two public meetings to receive input on the Onion Creek Concept Plan the first week of March, 2010.

The first meeting is March 1, 2010 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the Travis County Administration Building at 314 W. 11th Street in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor. The second meeting is March 3, 2010 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the East Service Center (near ABIA) at 6011 Blue Bluff Road.

Please come and share your thoughts on the future of Onion Creek. Contact Wendy Scaperotta at wendy.saperotta@co.travis.tx.us or 512/854-7655 if you have any questions about the events.

Take a Hike

On April 10th, 2010, be one of the first to explore Williamson County’s newest park, the Williams Tract. The property is more than 1,000 acres of meadows, wetlands and rolling hills with planned features including hiking trails, campgrounds, equestrian trails, and a visitor/heritage center.

Join representatives from Williamson County and BWM Group for the following activities:

• Hike along 1K, 3K and 5K trails with park staff, native plant guides and Audubon Society members.
• Ride your horse (Riders must be at the park by 10am for 10:30am start, no late riders. Please call to reserve your spot)
• Snap some photos of the native grasses, the San Gabriel River, or wildlife on the trail photo shoot out (10:30 am or 12:30 pm, please call to reserve your tour)

Williams Tract Park is located just south of Liberty Hill. Take Hwy 29 west to Liberty Hill and turn left on RR 1869. Then turn left on CR 282 and the park is on the left just south of CR 284.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 512-260-4283 or visit wilco.org.

Texas Tubing at Zedler Mills

Luling Texas has just purchased a 38 acre parcel of land immediately south of their historic Zedler Mill site. Luling purchased the property to serve as an open space for play. The site will also serve as a put in and take out for a short float down the San Marcos River through the park or part of a larger ride on the official Texas Paddling Trail. Tim Bargainer, Brandon Hay, and Sallie Burchett will be presenting the draft master plan of the site to the Zedler Mills committee this evening. The plan ties the open space park and historic site together and also links them to the adjacent Southside Park and other community spaces.

Texas Counties Award Brushy Creek Regional Trail

The Brushy Creek Regional Trail has done it again. Williamson County has received its fifth major award: an Innovative Best Practices Award from the Texas Association of Counties. In addition to its aesthetic and recreational appeal, the unseen virtue is that six public entities were able to work together and come up with a plan that benefits the entire region. BWM congratulates Williamson County and Jim Rodgers on a job well done. As master planner and designer, we are honored to have participated in this valuable community asset.