Plans for an envisioned athletic complex gained ground at the last Pflugerville City Council meeting of the year, with its members approving a resolution approving the annexation for needed land for its construction.

The annexation of some 177 acres of land off Cameron Road is needed as the city proceeds with plans to build the Pflugerville Athletic Complex. In August, the Council approved purchase of the Cameron Road land for $4.3 million.

Plans for the overall 238-acre site call for development of a complex that could house up to 24 fields designed largely to fill the demand of youth sports leagues. Voters in November 2014 approved an $11 million bond to finance the project.

The unanimous vote on the matter was intended to be largely a formality — something akin to consent agenda items that council members can vote on collectively without the need for discussion or protracted debate.

But Council Member Wayne Cooper put the brakes on the quickened vote to reiterate to the public that the sports complex is quickly becoming a reality after years of planning.

“I just thought this is significant enough just so we said, you know, out of the whole jumble of consent agenda stuff: ‘Hey guys we’re annexing the property for our new future park; its moving forward; it’s 177 acres,” he said. “Here it comes. We’re getting ready to go. Wake up.”

Council members then unanimously approved the resolution.

Earlier this month, city staff identified park concepts for 10 undeveloped city parkland. Pflugerville Heights Park in Pflugerville Heights and Black Locust Park in Windermere were considered top priorities for development, city staff said. Stone Hill Park and Highland Community Park are also considered top priorities.

Potential additional park amenities at Stone Hill Park could include basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, picnic facilities, a dog park and a splash pad.

The city has more than 40 miles of hike and bike trails, 16 playscapes, 500 acres of parkland and 528 acres of open space, according to the city website. Residents can walk, hike, jog and cycle at any time, but typical park hours are from dawn to 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

 

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