One of these projects is the Brushy Creek Regional Trail System that meanders along Brushy Creek. All parts of the trail have been completed in phases, with Phase V now under development. We continue to work with the city of Round Rock and areas outside of the city’s jurisdiction to connect sections of the trails. A portion of the funds for Phase V of the trail came from the 2013 park bond election approved by voters. Previous segments of the trail were also partially funded from prior park bond elections.

From the Twin Lakes Park in Cedar Park on U.S. Hwy 183 to its current easternmost terminus on Hairy Man Road in Round Rock, the trail is nearly seven miles long and connects a half dozen city and county parks, MUD parks and neighborhoods. Phase V of the trail will extend from Hairy Man Road eastward (generally along Brushy Creek) to the planned Bathing Beach Park in Round Rock, approximately 2.7 miles. 

The family parks that lie along this trail feature splash pads, swimming areas, climbing rocks, fishing docks, canoeing and kayaking. Along with bathrooms, these parks offer picnic and pavilion areas. Champion Park, located about mid-trail, is a favorite among children with its “fossil” dig and climbable boulders shaped like dinosaur bones. If you’re a hiker, biker, wildlife viewer or bird watcher, the trail and its adjacent parks are designed for you. You can frequently see walkers, runners, people pushing strollers and individuals with limited mobility on the trail.

The Brushy Creek Trail also links residential communities, businesses and retail centers, while promoting conservation and stewardship of open space, greenbelts and wetlands. The Brushy Creek Regional Trail, considered the major regional trail in the area, was designated a National Recreational Trail by the National Parks Service in 2004. Our vision is to extend the trail farther east to Hutto and farther west to Sandy Creek Park on Lake Travis in Travis County for a total of approximately 30 miles. Can you imagine being able to hike, bike or walk non-stop for that distance? Connecting the trail to Hutto and to Lake Travis will take time, patience and careful planning of resources, but I know we can do it

I commend Randy Bell, our Williamson County Senior Parks Director, for his leadership and role in helping develop our parks and trails system. “Parks, trails, and open space add to our quality of life here in Williamson County,” said Mr. Bell. “We want to make sure when we plan for the future that we are planning spaces and areas for outdoor recreational activity that our citizens, their families and visitors will enjoy.” 

When asked what is so great about raising a family or building a business in Williamson County, one of the first things people often cite is their favorite park, trail, campsite or fishing hole.

On Nov. 15, 2017, Williamson County asked for public input to help update the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan. The plan helps set priorities for all county parks, trails, open spaces, nature preserves and natural areas, and can help the county obtain grants. In April, the county will hold a series of public townhall meetings to present the survey results and preliminary recommendations of the proposed plan. Meeting dates and times will be finalized in the coming weeks, so please keep checking www.wilco.org/Parks for information.

I encourage you to “hit the trails” or visit our parks and recreational offerings soon. And remember, if it’s cold, bundle up, and if it’s warm, remember hats, sunscreen and plenty of water for yourself, your family and your pets.

Parking and Trail Access

For the western trail segment in Cedar Park: Parking and restrooms can be found in Twin Lakes Park (2300 S. Bell Boulevard), Champion Park (3830 Brushy Creek Road, Brushy Creek Lake Park (3300 Brushy Creek Road) and Brushy Creek Sports Park (2310 Brushy Creek Road).

For the eastern trail segment in Round Rock: Parking can be found in Play for All Abilities Park (151 North A.W. Grimes Boulevard).