ROUND ROCK’S PLAY FOR ALL PARK EXPANSION GETS A BOOST
A project that will double the size of Round Rock’s Play for All Abilities Park is another step closer to reality following City Council approval of $210,000 in sponsorship agreements.
Several companies have pledged different amounts to the park specifically tailored for all children, including those with autism and in wheelchairs. Officials broke ground on the park expansion project in March.
“These agreements allow this community to be the special community that it is,” said Rick Atkins, city parks and recreation director.
Funding of the park, and now the expansion, has involved partnerships between the city and community donors and sponsors.
Baker Realty, also known as xRedfoxx LLC, has pledged $25,000 to the Play for All Foundation to build a play space replica of the real estate agency in the mini “village” area of the park. The Nolan Ryan Foundation has agreed to donate $50,000 toward the park and a wheelchair accessible train-themed play structure inspired by the Round Rock Express.
Dell Children’s Medical Center will contribute $25,000 toward a treehouse in the park’s nature-themed play area. The raised, wheelchair-accessible treehouse will allow all children to enjoy the view of the park, Atkins said.
“It will be nestled in the trees and give you that elevated view of what’s happening in the park setting,” he said.
The treehouse structure will be similar to one featured at Dell Children’s in Austin, he said.
Local energy provider Atmos Energy has agreed to contribute $25,000 toward a house with natural gas utility and safety awareness features for kids to learn about the work Atmos does in the community.
“We’re really excited to be a part of this and consider it a privilege to partner with the city and Play for All,” said Randy Hartford, an Atmos Energy spokesman.
A $25,000 donation from Chick-fil-A Inc. will fund a Chick-fil-A mini restaurant in the village area of the park complete with a drive-thru window for kids to make-believe order their favorite eats.
“This is going to be the first replica Chick-fil-A of any kind in the United States,” Atkins said. “So, this will be a really special thing for us to have.”
A $60,000 donation from the Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships will fund a race track with a pit stop, start and finish lines and automotive features. “(Maxwell) had a lot of fun and a lot of passion for this one,” Atkins said.
The agreements passed with a unanimous vote with Council Member Kris Whitfield, who is a Play for All Foundation board member, abstaining.
Mayor Craig Morgan and council members thanked sponsors for their contributions, and the Play for All Foundation and city staff for their hard work on the park.
“As Rick stated, this is what makes this city a great place,” Morgan said. “We couldn’t have done it without the sponsors and the foundation.”