[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6642098,"mediaKeyId","3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372","parentId",3365771,"title","Commission approves 'Nessie' sculpture for Lake Pflugerville; $41,500 cost and safety/maintenance issues discussed","audioSeconds",677,"startMs",6505000,"endMs",7182000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372&start=6505&end=7182","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372/thumbnail_6505000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6642098/Pflugerville-City/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-approves-Nessie-sculpture-for-Lake-Pflugerville-41500-cost-and-safetymaintenance-issues-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642098-07a65f0a9b990840c674e35c193c0c13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116771&Signature=CewPub8MER6DYI18kMbdxx8fNouFzbISdImeWYWi6Mvuo85FGoumFPf3wG-8ZVlGhEj8JpFm69fY8sQty0CRFyssqx-uvqV1P2KpniR-MJgqlCEU6d6r~097~vPZPSXYDcIN2hVnXqErwSRQgnjMZmsGR-3qfCR06Rd1MJpCUbvcitSykpSLxTaFI6f1z~cv28pP~WVswxuOsBlZC1X~jF3G1s251FnVsYrvqoRkHjBTLZCSG2G6TOz~AKHOGRCPjiIV4NUgcvdARr5RmMdbVtSaNIXLRIQKpxjmfPfbcci2-1cP~JKE~U9fJ1I6sbTi-8YrZ0576eVGkVFIS8kBpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-17T16:43:47Z","article","The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to commission a public sculpture titled \"Nessie,\" by artist Jesse Brewer, to be sited on the northeast side of Lake Pflugerville near the beach and the existing popsicle artwork.

Staff described the concept as an approximately 8‑foot‑high, 15‑foot‑long stainless‑steel sculpture with wave elements designed for photo opportunities. The presentation included a proposed color palette (three turquoise/blues) and fabrication options. Staff said the artist’s work is intended to be durable — stainless steel with an expected lifespan beyond 50 years — and noted an option to include an anti‑graffiti powder coating at no additional cost in the vendor estimate.

Cost and maintenance: staff reported the project cost at roughly $41,500 and said the powder‑coat option that resists graffiti is available and under consideration. The department noted routine maintenance needs (powder‑coat upkeep) and that fabrication must meet public-safety standards.

Safety and durability questions: commissioners raised concerns about climbability and sharp edges — the proposed tail element was described as tall and narrow in renderings — and asked staff to require smooth, rounded details in the final fabrication and to ensure the piece meets playground‑adjacent safety expectations. Staff said they would coordinate with the artist to address edge radii and finishing; the artist’s previous work and fabrication reputation were discussed.

Vote and next steps: a commissioner moved to approve the commissioning of Nessie; another commissioner seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Staff will finalize fabrication details with the artist, decide on the anti‑graffiti powder coat in consultation with the artist and parks staff, and schedule installation logistics at Lake Pflugerville.

Speakers who discussed the item included parks staff and several commissioners; the artist was not present for the commission meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks & Rec 5-15-25","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved commissioning \"Nessie,\" a stainless‑steel public sculpture by Jesse Brewer for Lake Pflugerville; staff said the cost is about $41,500 and discussed options for anti‑graffiti coating and fabrication details to reduce climbing and sharp edges.","taxTitle","Pflugerville City, Travis County, Texas","taxId",12653,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6642103,"Commission approves Old Town Park master plan emphasizing water‑story design, trail links and phased buildout",1772,4563000,6335000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372&start=4563&end=6335","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372/thumbnail_4563000.jpg","/articles/6642103/Pflugerville-City/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-approves-Old-Town-Park-master-plan-emphasizing-waterstory-design-trail-links-and-phased-buildout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642103-865ac8eb901b6342fa2a86f08c56bc84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116771&Signature=nheWNlsPlTQSIPoR6j6UBTHPQ-PVFculvapUmxu2U5Z9jocp7WmcOPffrgt48AlVTuuRS8tsfy8uM-0s9yTdCRHBB4cFfQAP4XRUqvc7p-fczzH~77Z3urRRcmdwHahAmhcBLRyLKdFUTiex~eK4tWG3Uxvz30o5XnV9osiMLrox9NaMjFy3UXCmr1MLuygHSZ8rVJTcziRYYoAuaQupsfF3RLLrZZt1J3l-gs756MTd9j2xzsyaVYCMfh7J9YmnSm5FAotjrtlYS9S2mxs33fiMeWvLcT4f~htqjbRMdjjWxOWf2EVy8P7mv~35iznoZ1sqC~cLDDTXaQMf4e61ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission on May 15 approved a master plan for Old Town Park — a roughly one‑acre site adjacent to Pflugerville’s historic water tower — and forwarded the plan for consideration by the Planning & Zoning Commission and then City Council.

The plan, prepared by TBG Partners (landscape architecture) and BRS Architecture, transforms the largely unprogrammed green space into a compact, multi‑use park that staff and consultants described as telling a “story of water”: design elements move from a river/lake motif through pump and distribution references toward interpretive rain gardens and a plaza under the water tower. Key features include an elevated trail loop, a seating/deck area with a woven net “relaxation” feature above play elements, a small pavilion with a restroom, interpretive planting and rain‑capture landscaping, and tightened trail connections to nearby sidewalks and the broader trail network. The concept also shows closing or “dieting” Hoop Street to expand contiguous park space; staff said the road closure option was supported in neighborhood outreach.

Why it matters: the site sits near historic downtown and the water tower — a visible local landmark — and the master plan is intended to make the location more welcoming, accessible and useful to adjacent residents while preserving the tower as a focal point.

Public engagement and process: staff described a robust outreach campaign including on-site engagement, a QR-coded doorhanger distribution to nearby homes and an online survey; staff reported roughly 1,200 engagement touchpoints and that nearly a third of survey respondents live within a half-mile of the park. Council asked for the plan to be flexible and phased so elements can be implemented as funding allows.

Commission discussion included praise for the design from several members and concerns from others. One commissioner who participated in earlier workshops said they “love the concept” but felt the site is the “wrong location,” citing cost estimates offered in discussion of roughly $4–5 million as a reason to consider alternatives. Staff reiterated the plan is conceptual and emphasized the stated intent to phase construction and to allow a more limited initial investment if council prefers. Several commissioners also raised wayfinding and trail‑connection questions for bringing visitors from historic downtown to the new park area.

Vote and next steps: The commission moved to approve the master plan and, after a recorded division of support and opposition during the voice vote, the motion carried. Staff said the plan will next go to the Planning & Zoning Commission and then City Council for adoption; design and construction timing will depend on funding availability and subsequent design work.

Consultants identified an approximate design phase timeline of six to 12 months once council and funding direction are given; final construction schedules will be set after design and budgeting phases.","After public engagement and consultant work, the commission approved a master plan for the one‑acre Old Town Park that centers the decommissioned water tower, adds elevated trails, rain gardens and a small pavilion, and recommends phased construction; some commissioners questioned the site and cost.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6642108,"Pflugerville commission approves FY26 user fee schedule with new fees and changes for fields, events and aquatics",1979,2564000,4543000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372&start=2564&end=4543","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372/thumbnail_2564000.jpg","/articles/6642108/Pflugerville-City/Travis-County/Texas/Pflugerville-commission-approves-FY26-user-fee-schedule-with-new-fees-and-changes-for-fields-events-and-aquatics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642108-8c8a2cc0050f868214912b847b023dab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116771&Signature=T73EwyxID4AM2CygdAQ2aKnpeDUi6ysjoAp18XcCCfvLNVn7b32Rv~bhRPuY8HD6SJcl7mU5Kjc83K5GIeVoXSVBuGNdNuAHdoZbTcU7BM1dgpc26VSITxKDQyWSfa~-xyaOCD2pVsBEEKNFRVh7sQRKCxJdSUIRiCu4VtB1zH7lUHZw0zTiUfcOebOvtWvQD6VAIgMRV1PKOnYG9V0SSU8IqOjbVEROcl5FIX5~o3KgOXNTugUQUzD3XYXtHWZQ5554T7Z8xjL01G9Uf2bYf5bBkXXRTftzsswlzYIA86ZE5YA0HxL72nQliL~2XlT6tg1lU5QWNAPPSbEGV7Mc1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission voted on May 15 to approve the fiscal year 2026 user fee schedule, a package of changes the department will forward to the city’s finance office and ultimately to city council as part of the budget process.

Why it matters: the schedule sets prices that affect pavilion renters, youth and adult sports organizations, tournament organizers, aquatics patrons and special-event promoters; several changes were defended by staff as either aligning fees with peer cities or covering actual service costs (for example, lifeguard staffing at swim meets).

Key changes and clarifications presented to the commission included:
- Pavilion rental blocks: Lake Pflugerville and Gillen Creek pavilions now include four‑hour rental blocks within an existing 12‑hour full-day reservation so more groups can access space for shorter periods.
- New facility rentals: Stonehill Pavilion (adjacent to a splash pad) was added to the rental schedule; staff said the fee will allow staff to contact renters and manage customer service in the event a splash-pad outage occurs.
- Wells Pointe fields: new fees were added for 5v5 fields for peak and non‑peak hours to reflect a new field configuration. Peak hours were defined in the presentation as after 5 p.m.; non‑peak is before 5 p.m.
- 1849 Park tournament/facility fee: staff reported that the updated facility fee for tournaments at 1849 Park would be $1,000 per hour for use of all fields as part of a tournament package; staff said the higher fee reflects the park’s premium status and added maintenance demands. Commissioners asked whether the new rate could affect competitiveness with nearby regional facilities.
- Overhours and lights: an “overhours” fee doubles the hourly charge for fields that exceed allocated hours; field-light fees will pass through utility costs to renters when lights are used.
- Escalating fines for unlocked gates: staff proposed a progressive fine schedule for organizations that repeatedly fail to secure fields and gates (first offense $100, escalating to larger fines and possible reduction of allocation hours). Staff said the change responds to past thefts and facility damage linked to unsecured access.
- Facility rental deposit: a new deposit (modeled on an existing Green Red Barn deposit) will be required for reserved facilities; deposits will be refunded if no damage or policy violations are found.
- Event impact fee: the department consolidated trail/event impact charges into a single permitted-event impact fee of $1 per participant, billed after an event based on verified attendance; staff said this replaces a previous $2 per‑participant charge for runs and extends a consistent approach to other permitted events.
- Mobile food units (pending policy): staff previewed a proposed mobile food‑unit policy and fees (annual registration, per‑day fees and long‑term lease options) that would apply to food trucks operating on city property. Staff said the fee schedule entry is contingent on adoption of the mobile food‑unit policy by the city.
- Aquatics: most admissions rose by $1 per staff’s fee study; swim-meet and swim-practice lifeguard fees were raised to reflect current staff pay; family season‑pass price was reduced in one instance after benchmarking showed Pflugerville was higher than peers.

In discussion commissioners raised concerns about tournament competitiveness, the magnitude of certain increases and clarity around peak hours and tournament definitions. Staff responded with comparisons to nearby facilities, explanations of maintenance and field-allocation rules (30‑hour maximum allocations, with overage charges), and a reminder that tournament-specific fees differ from hourly field fees.

Vote and next steps: A commissioner moved to approve the FY26 user fee schedule; another commissioner seconded. The motion was carried by voice vote and staff said the schedule will move to finance to be incorporated in the FY26 budget process and later to council for final adoption.

Speakers and staff presenting included Jeff and other parks staff. Several commissioners asked clarifying questions during the extended presentation.","The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the FY26 user fee schedule after staff presented changes affecting pavilions, athletic fields, tournaments, aquatics admissions, special events and a new mobile food-unit policy (pending). The vote was carried by voice vote.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6642113,"Commission reviews ride options for Deutschenfest; contract over $50,000 will go to council",188,2124000,2312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372&start=2124&end=2312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372/thumbnail_2124000.jpg","/articles/6642113/Pflugerville-City/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-reviews-ride-options-for-Deutschenfest-contract-over-50000-will-go-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642113-5153c4ceb418c145174c7a101a4707a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116771&Signature=ci36wP~CTV5qY~hGKv3BVuDavHYLkktaM6jwGWSCbAfIGKUXhgMVXrOSBkX6GnQoxHOAIDZP66VKypBHwD-b~54UBePgP5aLc6rkYFBqCOMd2bKlpeBcbRqDIsy8NI1c~BzIxowMVgPSvVTjbOWFA-ImUYlb7LdMyDdyT17ZOF22yxXUyrQZjjfdDMsJXgBMlO8qM9rLseCTcgy2ALdpCTVncrpUqKIhPKYB-4ebnFcQvwrb23q4oGnx5yWr4SZCJmTnMITDpOY0D3JvvaxTxjzdJRlgHxN6TO9eTpHUDISwxScaJcJeOy2C7I3D3~qMUwaHK3PSCM7rYhDpa8JKzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Commission on May 15 reviewed carnival ride options for Deutschenfest after staff said the vendor quote exceeded $50,000 and therefore requires council approval.

Staff presented the vendor’s catalog of available rides (including a 42‑foot Ferris wheel, a Sizzler, a Zoomer swing, a Mindwinder and family/children’s attractions) and recommended a package that includes the Ferris wheel, a 30‑foot carousel, a family “berry go round” ride (a smaller spinner aimed at younger children), the Sizzler and the Zoomer, plus carnival games. Staff said space constraints — in part because of new playgrounds installed at Gillen Creek — could affect ride placement and that the vendor will confirm fit on site before deployment.

The vendor’s quote exceeded the city’s informal threshold for administrative approval; staff told the commission the contract must go to council for formal approval and that council will be asked to approve a three‑year contract so the city does not have to reprocure each year. Staff said the vendor would measure the footprint in person and recommend alternatives if two recommended rides cannot fit together.

Youth input shaped recommendations: staff reported they consulted the City’s youth advisory council, which prioritized carnival games and certain teen rides; staff added carnival games (basketball, duck pond, balloon pop/darts, a shooting-range game) to the suggested package based on that feedback.

Timeframe: staff said the contract will move to council either at the second May meeting or the first June meeting depending on the finance office’s schedule. No formal commission vote was required; commissioners gave informal head nods and made placement suggestions.

Speakers who presented or were quoted included Jeff and Jonathan from the parks department; the commission’s endorsement was procedural and will be finalized if and when council approves the vendor contract.","Pflugerville staff presented carnival ride options to the Parks Commission for Deutschenfest after a vendor bid exceeded $50,000; the commission gave informal support to a recommended set of rides and games that staff will include in the contract submitted to council.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6642117,"Pflugerville parks staff report high engagement at spring events and outline multiple park projects",1140,270000,1410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372&start=270&end=1410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365771-b6a13be7e254da554d3e3292ab740372/thumbnail_270000.jpg","/articles/6642117/Pflugerville-City/Travis-County/Texas/Pflugerville-parks-staff-report-high-engagement-at-spring-events-and-outline-multiple-park-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6642117-396f1efb468da236cfd02e64d916717f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116771&Signature=DpXaef4eqj8wWCCmdv33clRO4G9JIcUUa~9y1GYL-ct~-RBB1BdNsk76EuNstKo7HrJ2X1W8lREjcNJj81RHCkangkWYBN37GF7j6swMUwyyB0KBE5I2o7vpo~ZzWwkeAGkiIbvEVtrYIoIdzU2DEmuXMDnOq-Xu2zsIyQyJ2cCwa4RYm2OvAznBGqBP4TTsmqs79uMFr5Pm0U6LHSTgr55NvQqRMa4sc7BTP5ZaPO75hXWarPevXVVhHLN7ei~LzUzBcE1M7dNTMDIODPpezJ02KYB~bzxKNRPz6otuRh6zkhbklbEphGFdOwkbwFPlLNaRQxE~63yf-dU2xZNqhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pflugerville parks staff on May 15 told the Parks and Recreation Commission that recent events drew unusually large crowds and reviewed a slate of capital and operational projects coming this year.

Staff highlighted Eggpalooza and Slice of Pflugerville as recent, well-attended events. According to attendance-tracking software cited by staff, Eggpalooza logged roughly 600 attendees; staff said internal observations and on-site counts suggest the event may have been substantially larger. Slice of Pflugerville sold out the available event “passports” and staff reported strong vendor and community response, though the main-stage performance suffered a roughly 30–45 minute delay when a generator failed.

The updates matter because the department is preparing for a busy summer schedule and several multi-year capital projects that will change how residents use parks and trails.

Among the projects discussed, staff provided schedules and key design features:
- Cambridge Estates Park: The small 2–5 playscape will be replaced and the footprint expanded to add play elements for older children; construction is expected to start in August.
- Barley Field Park (Falcon Point): The neighborhood park will get new 5–12 and 2–5 playscapes, swings and new surfacing; installation is scheduled to begin later this month.
- Gillen Creek Park: A flood‑plain study required by engineering work is complete. Council recently approved trail work and ADA accessibility improvements; to protect the root zone of a noted large pecan tree (“Big Shady”) designers will use a composite boardwalk rather than concrete. Work inside the pool complex will add permeable artificial turf and roughly 40-by-50 feet of new shade and picnic seating; the existing Gaga ball pit will be relocated and given a concrete trail and seating. Staff said construction that would affect heavy summer use is being timed to minimize disruption to camps and swim programming.
- Murchison Park (Falcon Point): Construction is under way on new trails, a playground, pavilion and pollinator gardens; this project is tied to the city’s prior undeveloped-park master plan.
- Kelly Lane Park: The project is in the bidding phase and includes the system’s first three outdoor pickleball courts, a small restroom, parking (about 25–30 spaces) and a pavilion; additional trail phases are planned.
- 1849 Park (Phase 1B and Phase 2): Phase 1B — including lighting for the football field and roughly 100 additional parking spaces for soccer and other uses — is scheduled for completion around July or August. Phase 2 will add tiered baseball/softball fields and an event lawn with a concession/operations building; staff said Phase 2 is targeted for completion by the end of 2025.
- Lake Pflugerville and destination-play planning: The Lake Pflugerville playground near the beach will be replaced this fiscal year; design work on a larger destination play space is starting.
- Wells Pointe: With new fields completed last year, the department is adding 5v5 field pricing and will install field lighting this year.

Staff also reviewed program and engagement items: the department is organizing Juneteenth Rock The Block downtown in June, continuing water-safety outreach for summer, and staffing several subcommittees (pollinator, tree-care and a dark‑sky group). Commissioners asked about wildlife impacts of night lighting; staff agreed that the dark‑sky subcommittee will consider migratory‑bird research and lighting best practices.

Staff noted one state-level item of interest: a bill filed in the Texas Legislature to designate Pflugerville as the “Trail Capital of Texas” has passed both chambers and is awaiting the governor’s signature; staff said they will coordinate outreach and marketing once the designation is official.

Staffers who presented or were quoted during the update included Recreation Superintendent Jonathan (identified in the meeting as the recreation superintendent), Jeff (staff member), and Shane (staff member). The commission did not take a separate formal vote on the director’s report; discussion consisted of informational updates and clarifying questions.

Looking ahead, staff said designs that are part of master-plan work will be phased so elements can be built when funding is available and to limit summer construction impacts on programs and users.","City parks staff reported strong attendance at recent events, described progress on several park and trail projects — including Gillen Creek, Murchison and 1849 Park — and previewed summer programming and new subcommittees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves 'Nessie' sculpture for Lake Pflugerville; $41,500 cost and safety/maintenance issues discussed

Commission approves Old Town Park master plan emphasizing water‑story design, trail links and phased buildout

Pflugerville commission approves FY26 user fee schedule with new fees and changes for fields, events and aquatics

Commission reviews ride options for Deutschenfest; contract over $50,000 will go to council

Pflugerville parks staff report high engagement at spring events and outline multiple park projects