Tim Arnold

He loves running the Round Rock “African Safari” known as Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

By Pamela Cosel

ROUND ROCK, Texas – It has 1.5 million square feet of fun – and it’s Tim Arnold’s job to keep everyone happy at the new Kalahari Resorts and Conventions facility, the fourth indoor waterpark of its kind in the country.

Arnold is the general manager of the Round Rock location, which opened in November 2020. He joined the company’s team in 2019, leading the day-to-day operations, which includes providing guidance to the management teams and serving as liaison to the Round Rock community.

“But there’s the pandemic,” one might say. So many businesses are not operating at full capacity, or have been closed down, due to the spread of COVID-19 since last spring. That did not deter Kalahari Resorts and Conventions from moving ahead with its plan to provide fun, frolic and family events for the Central Texas region.

“As America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Resort with 1.5 million square feet, we have plenty of room for guests to spread out,” Arnold explained. “Still, health and safety is a resort priority. We are adhering to all local and state public health and safety regulations, including guidelines for masks and social distancing. Overnight occupancy and occupancy for amenities and attractions, including restaurants, is limited in accordance with local rules and regulations.”

The family-owned business is based in Wisconsin and started by high school sweethearts

Todd and Shari Nelson. They were inspired to create its African Safari-themed waterparks after taking a trip to Africa. The brand was created in 2000 and is a family adventure, with their children also involved as owning members. They created the Nelson Family Foundation in 2014. The company gives back to African craftsman and artists, supports the Mandela Poster Project, and partners with Ithateng Mokgoro of Gamatong Foundation via a design competition and exhibition that features winning designs of the competitions in the company’s various resort locations. The Nelsons donate to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Clean the World, and also have an exchange program wherein African college graduates participate in a year-long cultural and work program at each of the resort locations.

Arnold explained how the Nelsons came to choose Round Rock for its Texas location, and added that in hiring employees, they look for people who can “help maintain our beyond-expectations, family-friendly atmosphere for guests.”

He said Round Rock was very open to the company building in the city since it first broke ground for the resort more than two years ago.

“The Nelson family felt a pull to Texas for their first location in the Southwest,” he said, “and Round Rock proved to be very business friendly with a community/family feel that was important to the Nelsons, while also offering the proximity, ease of travel and tourism of Austin and Dell Diamond.

“Everything’s bigger in Texas and that’s an important synergy with the Kalahari brand. The Round Rock, Texas, resort was the fourth time the Nelson family built the largest indoor waterpark resort in America. First in Wisconsin, then Ohio, Pennsylvania and now in Texas.”

The resort is currently taking reservations for events and conventions because such events require many months, sometimes years, of advance notice to attendees. They tend to book one to two years in advance, Arnold said.

“In our first year in Round Rock, we’re excited to show the community all that Kalahari has to offer,” he explained. “Even if you’re not an overnight guest at Kalahari, you can still enjoy the property and amenities. Beyond our giant waterpark, we have a world-class spa and cutting-edge arcade and indoor amusement park -- both are open to the local community. We also have four fantastic signature restaurants that are open daily to the public, including Italian and Mexican cuisine, a contemporary steakhouse and amazing burger bar.

Don’t worry that Kalhari may not have enough space to hold event the largest wedding or an international conference. Arnold assures everyone that the facility has plenty of space.

“We have a 200,000 square foot state-of-theart Convention Center, which will undoubtedly be a significant draw for the Round Rock community in the coming years,” he said. “The flexible meeting space includes two ballrooms, 16 meeting rooms, multiple hospitality suites and 50,000 square feet of outdoor event space in our Event Barn, Covered Terraces and Outdoor Lawn. This gives groups plenty of space to spread out and employ physical distancing best practices.”

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Arnold is happy to be at the helm of Kalahari in Round Rock. He spent 20 years working in the hospitality industry managing luxury resorts and regional, multi-unit restaurants and residential properties in Florida and Puerto Rico before joining the Kalahari team.

He seems to be built for this industry which provides adventure and fun for so many, especially children and families.

“One of my favorite parts of the job is meeting and interacting with our guests -- seeing the look on kid’s faces when they walk into Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park for the first time or stepping into the 223,000 square foot indoor waterpark,” Arnold said. “It’s also great to talk with parents who remember visiting one of our other resorts when they were growing up and hearing how they’re now bringing their family to our newest, grandest resort here in Texas.”

For information about tickets, prices and the Kalahari attractions, visit kalahariresorts. com/texas

Valentine’s Day

brings visions of future weddings

Many couples choose to either get engaged or married each February on Valentine’s Day. It’s a day for sweethearts across the country, and whether a couple decides to hold a backyard wedding or go all out in staging “The Best Wedding of the Century” – which in times of COVID-19 has changed those type of gatherings – it’s still fun to see what venues exist in Williamson County. Whether it’s “something old or something new,” couples have a variety of options to reserve for that special day. Below are a few venues to consider.

Angel Springs Event Center,

1500 County Road 267, Georgetown – 866-771-1500

With complete privacy in the Texas Hill Country, this venue has a boardwalk aisle positioned under a canopy of large, mature trees. As many as 200 guests can be seated in the white chairs provided on the lawn. An indoor ballroom features Hill Country limestone throughout the building. There is a bridal suite, along with off-site and on-site lodging.

Kindred Oaks,

22100 County Road 176, Georgetown – 512-260-9690

This Texas-style estate sits on 11 acres in the Hill Country, with more than 4,500 square feet of outdoor spaces including a covered pavilion with outdoor fireplace. The venue features a honeymoon suite, so after dancing the night away, the bride and groom can spend the night on site. The venue has an all-inclusive wedding package, a “Designer Sunday” package for 80 guests, the “Fun 50” package, and a “Sweet & Petite Elopement” package. In addition, Kindred Oaks is an official sponsor of the “Twogether in Texas” initiative, an 8-hour premarital class.

Casa Blanca on Brushy Creek,

2211 Hairy Man Road, Round Rock – 512-663-4441

The venue offers both indoor and outdoor settings, including a beautiful ballroom which is adorned by two covered porches, and can fit as many as 230 guests. Both the ceremony and reception can be held at Casa Blanca. Hardwood floors, beautiful artwork, and a fireplace make the setting stunning and provides a charming ambiance.

The Texas Hall,

4412 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock – 512-947-3812

This venue offers a natural setting with a rustic twist. Surrounded by green trees, it is situated on more than five acres. An indoor dance hall, guesthouse with kitchen, bridal suite and groom’s dressing rooms, a swimming pool, bar area and free onsite parking are some of the amenities. The indoor hall can accommodate as many as 120 guests.

Agape BBQ is a destination for a perfect Saturday getaway

By Lance Catchings

For those in Central Texas searching for a spring getaway, they need only point their eyes towards the Western portion of Williamson County. Agape BBQ, located at 3610 RM 1869 in Liberty Hill, is the type of gem that makes living in Central Texas so special. Although the BBQ establishment is relatively new, the rich tradition of quality smoked meats and locally crafted beer and coffee make Agape BBQ one of the best restaurants Central Texas has to offer.

“We hope people can come and feel a sense of relaxation while enjoying awesome Texas barbecue made the right way,” said co-owner and general manager Brandon Reinoehl.

“We see this place as a great opportunity for people to come out and enjoy themselves. We have a large screened outdoors, we have cornhole (games) and a stage for music. There is a lot to offer in our large backyard. We want to be a destination barbecue spot where people can come and enjoy the day.”

Agape BBQ was started with a friendship between Reinoehl and co-owner/pit master, Jeremy Archer. The location is a bright, welcoming building with an enormous backyard and hundreds of oak trees.

“We knew early on we wanted to go out into Liberty Hill because of the future growth potential, and there is a lot coming out this way,” Archer said.

“We wanted to establish ourselves as the barbecue location in this area. This spot was exactly what we were looking for with the 300-year-old oak trees, the big yard and a place people can come hang out and build relationships. Anything we can do to help build relationships we want to do that. Some of our largest supporters have been other local restaurants. When we all succeed it is good for the community and good for everyone.”

“Our brand is all about craft barbecue, craft beer and being local”

The two friends and owners pride their restaurant on being locally owned and operated. That includes everything from the food to the beer and coffee.

“Our brand is all about craft barbecue, craft beer and being local,” Reinoehl added.

“The size of the Liberty Hill community felt like a good fit for our brand. This is a dream for us and we are able to live it out. We work hard and we work long hours, but the satisfaction on our customer’s faces makes it all worth it. I have never taken a job before where I could say that’s my dream, so we feel blessed. We are looking forward to meeting everyone so come out and see us.”

The restaurant is open for dinein or takeout, and as stated on the website: Barbecue. Beer. Coffee. It don’t get much tastier than that.