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BUILDING FOR TOMORROW Sonterra MUD Bond Proposes Parks and Recreation Projects
by Charlotte Kovalchuk • images and renderings courtesy Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation
With a current population of 16,000 expected to double in the next 10 years, Sonterra MUD is one of the fastest growing MUDs in Texas. To keep up with the community’s growth, the Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation team created a master plan with the assistance of Hitchcock Design Group that includes a new recreation center, trail system, sports complex, and other recreational amenities. “This master plan gives us a road map of various recreational projects for our community to consider for the next five to seven years,” Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation Director Blake Reynolds says.
A $55 million bond that will go before voters on May 4 would fund various proposed projects from the master plan. “I’ve got three kids and I know personally, we’re tired of driving to Round Rock and Georgetown for these quality of life opportunities," says Camy Reynolds, former Sonterra MUD Board President and member of the Jarrell ISD Education Foundation. "We would love to have these opportunities in our own backyard."
2024 Sonterra Parks and Recreation Bond Proposed Projects
Recreation Center with indoor gyms for pickleball/ volleyball/ basketball, fitness area, potential indoor pool, teen and summer camp areas, outdoor multipurpose fields, and festival/event space. The center would provide programming and class space for sports leagues, adult fitness, and community-wide events along with youth camps.
Three new phases of trails to connect the district’s other recreational amenities to provide walking, running, or cycling between each park in the district.
Five new playgrounds throughout Sonterra and new outdoor pavilions and public restrooms at each site.
Lighting additions in parks and parking lots and along trails and main roads, as well as concrete fencing along roads.
New disc golf courses, dog park, baseball batting cages, and a ninja warrior obstacle course.
Community Engagement
Community involvement has been a crucial part of the bond process, with a community engagement survey sent out last fall to gather input on proposed parks and recreation projects. The survey received 3,000 responses – approximately 20 percent of Sonterra’s population – and was used to develop the master plan in collaboration with Hitchcock Design Group.
Residents are welcome to review the master plan during two open houses at 6:30 – 8:30pm Thursday, April 18 and 10am – noon Saturday, April 20 at the MUD District Office, 113 Limestone Terrace. Both Blake and Hitchcock representatives will be available to answer questions about the bond and master plan.
Visit http://www.sonterramud.org/bond-election.
