(By ANDREW SAMONEK)
With summer approaching, Cedar Park has agreed to upgrade some outdoor park facilities around the city.
The Cedar Park City Council unanimously passed an agenda item that will pay Courtex Construction to resurface some of the town’s tennis and basketball courts. The item was passed on April 8, 2021 as part of the consent agenda.
“The city performs ongoing maintenance and upkeep to preserve top quality amenities in all our parks for the safe use and enjoyment of our residents and visitors,” Cedar Park neighborhood services coordinator Geniene Layne said.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents have been living safer lifestyles and adhering to evolving CDC guidelines. But as progress is made, more residents feel comfortable taking up outdoor activities.
One local Cedar Park resident said that she thought the renovations were a good incentive to get outside during a pandemic in a way that’s safe. She also pointed out that it is nice to see Cedar Park maintaining outdoor areas.
The resurfacing was originally allocated as part of the fiscal year 2020 budget; however, when the pandemic became more prevalent, the project was delayed and caused city council to reallocate the funding to the fiscal year 2021 budget.
Listed courts that are part of the resurfacing project include: Milburn Park tennis and basketball, Brushy Creek Sports Park basketball, Nelson Ranch Park tennis and basketball, Buttercup Park tennis, Janet Bartles Park tennis and basketball, Wild Rose Park basketball, and Heritage Park basketball.
According to the city’s agenda packet, evaluations were based on current condition, level of use and availability of budgeted funds. The remaining courts not being resurfaced at this time will be brought back later with an additional budget request.
The renovations will give local kids a place to stay active and enjoy getting out more. According to one local sixth grader, going to the park is the only thing his parents are okay with.
“It just sucked. Everything I did was inside or in my yard. I just wanted to be able to see my friends and ball at the park this summer. Everything just sucked for so long, so I’m happy my mom is okay with this.”
Courtex Construction operates in Central Texas and surrounding areas. They specialize in court construction and resurfacing, and are part of The Interlocal Purchasing System, which allows the city to access services through contracts. Their agreement with the city is for an amount not to exceed $74,950.
“Each court will take approximately one week to complete. Work is scheduled to begin in June 2021, depending on the availability of the contractor and weather conditions,” Layne said.
