Pflugerville Highland Park North park opens to public

18 Oct 2017


Media

The Highland Park North Homeowners Association and the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation held a ribbon cutting Oct. 9 to celebrate the completion of a new, shaded community park and walking trail.

The homeowners association and city corporation co-funded the project, which began in 2015 and was completed in phases as funds became available.

“This was a labor of love and took a lot of work to make it happen,” homeowners association board treasurer Melody Ryan said. “From an idea we had in late 2009, the HOA saved funds without raising homeowner dues to add the new park and trail and address the lack of amenities for our residents within walking distance. The developer donated money in lieu of parkland to the city of Pflugerville, so there was very little land for parks and trails available to our residents.”

A $35,000 city corporation grant allowed for purchasing park shade structures, and an additional $110,000 from the homeowners association allowed for developing the park at 900 Portchester Castle Path. The park offers numerous amenities including a climbing structure, swings, exercise equipment, three-hole putting green, picnic tables, benches, safety fence and trees.

City corporation Executive Director Amy Madison said the collaboration allowed for creating a completely new public park that connects with citywide hike and bike trails.

“We have been working with them since 2014, but they have planned, raised funds and brought their own hands-on effort for nearly 10 years to make this project possible,” she said. “This is truly unique solution for a unique problem, and what a great partnership we have enjoyed working with them.”

City corporation grants over three fiscal years totaled $102,500, and the homeowners association provided $273,000 to construct the 1.4-mile-loop walking trail with a pedestrian bridge.

“We are extremely grateful to the staff and board of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation for the support that they provided over the past several years through challenge grants,” homeowners association board President Judy Percy said. “The new trail and park will provide many years of recreation and health benefits to residents, as well as a safe path to the new city of Pflugerville Stone Hill Park and the Stone Hill Town Center for recreation, dining and shopping.”

Guests at the Oct. 9 ribbon cutting included the homeowners association members, city corporation staff, members of the Pflugerville City Council and Pflugerville Police Department, and T.F. Harper & Associates, LP and Lippe Concrete Company, which were primary contractors for the project.

 — City corporation news release

City Corporation, 10/18/17, Austin American Statesman, statesman.com