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Lakeway approves Butler Rough Hollow Park plan and three alternates; estimated cost about $2.7 million
Summary
Council approved the Butler Rough Hollow Park final plan including three alternates — mountain bike skills park, ninja course and solar site lighting — and authorized staff to proceed. The base bid estimate is about $2.38 million; with alternates the total is about $2.67 million.
Lakeway — The City Council unanimously approved the Butler Rough Hollow Park plan July 21, including three alternates for additional features, after a months-long design and cost-reduction process.
Parks Director Bennett and consultant Molly Pell of Dunaway presented the project, which is at approximately 95% construction documents. The approved base design includes a pavilion and two-stall restroom, playground with inclusive features and integrated shade, amphitheater built into a hill, multi-use sports fields, a bank-shot challenge court, a mountain-bike-style skills park and a loop trail. The plan also includes parking and accessible routes.
Cost and alternates: staff presented a base bid estimate of $2,381,481.80. Three alternates were listed: the mountain-bike (bike skills) park, a ninja course, and solar site lighting. With those alternates included the total estimated project cost is $2,674,226.45. Parks staff told council there is approximately $525,000 available in the Highland Parkland fund earmarked for Rough Hollow-area parkland.
Council discussion covered campsite sight lines, the amphitheater’s electric pedestal for amplification needs, durability and maintenance of playground and court surfaces, and whether solar lights have sufficient overnight run-time. Staff said the solar fixtures installed at the Justice Center have performed well and carry 10–12 year warranties; the lights will be used on the new site as a test before wider rollout.
Grant work and funding: staff said they will aggressively pursue grants and philanthropic support to reduce the city’s share of the cost; a $142,000 grant was already noted in other parks projects and staff reported another potential $50,000 grant forthcoming.
Timing and next steps: with the design at 95% completeness and council approval, staff expects to finalize plans in August, move to permitting and bidding, and pursue breaking ground in early 2026. Construction duration was estimated at roughly nine months once started.
Council action: motion to approve Butler Rough Hollow Park plan with the three alternates carried unanimously.
