From park upgrades to public safety and social services, Cedar Park and Williamson County leaders approved or advanced several initiatives during early 2026 government meetings.
1. Cedar Park eyes spring completion of Brushy Creek Sports Park improvements
The city of Cedar Park expects to complete improvements at Brushy Creek Sports Park by spring, according to an update from Randy Lueders, the city’s director of engineering and capital projects, during a Jan. 22 City Council meeting.
The project, currently in progress, includes sports field fencing and nets, softball field drainage and infield improvements, a parking lot expansion, additional trails and upgrades to existing trails, including replacing decomposed granite paths with concrete, as well as a new maintenance building.
The improvements are funded through Cedar Park’s 2022 bond package and are expected to cost about $1.7 million, within the originally budgeted amount.
Millis Development and Construction is overseeing the project after being selected by the city this past July. Additionally, athletic fields will remain natural grass rather than being converted to turf.
Read more here.
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2. WilCo renews Bluebonnet Trails mental health, homelessness deal
Williamson County renewed its annual partnership with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services for three behavioral health resources totaling almost $500,000 during a Dec. 30 Commissioners Court meeting.
The overview
Child welfare court care coordinators work with families involved in Child Protective Services cases. While CPS case workers often experience high turnover, care coordinators can help facilitate completion of court orders, according to county documents.
Under the agreement, BTCS will hire and provide the two case coordinators, and Williamson County will fund up to $144,000 for salaries and benefits during fiscal year 2025-26.
What else?
BTCS began its homelessness prevention program in January 2024, helping find permanent housing for individuals at Community First! Village, a 51-acre affordable housing community for those experiencing homelessness, as well as alternative options.
“We’ve been very successful with helping place about 33 individuals with chronic homelessness issues from here in the county to long-term permanent housing,” Bluebonnet Trails CEO Mike Maples said.
Williamson County will also fund $180,981 for two homeless prevention or peer specialist staff as well as housing, transportation and clothing costs. The program aims to place 15 individuals into Community First Village and provide support to 35 others.
Read more here.
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3. Multicity police task force launches to fight auto theft in Central Texas
Plans for a regional task force to tackle vehicle burglaries are underway.
An interlocal agreement between the cities of Cedar Park, Round Rock, Hutto, Georgetown, Leander and Pflugerville, as well as Williamson County, was approved Jan. 22 in order to create the Regional Vehicle Burglary Suppression Taskforce.
The agreement will allow the participating entities to coordinate investigations and enforcement efforts to address vehicle-related crimes, such as auto theft, burglaries and catalytic converter theft.
Each agency will be responsible for its own personnel and equipment, although grant funding could be pursued to support the task force.
Read more here.
Cedar Park, Williamson County and five other cities approved a Jan. 22 agreement to coordinate enforcement efforts through a new Regional Vehicle Burglary Suppression Taskforce. (Courtesy Cedar Park Police)