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JULY 31, 2019 | NEWSLETTER
ROUND ROCK NEWS
Road Project Round Up: Texas Avenue Extension
Improving neighborhood connectivity is a transportation priority for the City of Round Rock, and the recently completed Texas Avenue extension does just that. 

The project extended existing Texas Avenue from Greenhill Drive farther east to provide a connection between IH-35 and local neighborhoods, including Chapel Hill North, Sunrise Vista and Settlement. The project improves traffic flow, reduces travel times and increases connectivity for both motorists and pedestrians.

Wheels are moving on dozens of other transportation projects in Round Rock! Check out this video update from our Transportation Director to learn more.

City approves first bond sale for Convention Center
The City of Round Rock took a major step Thursday toward realizing the vision of a world-class resort and convention center by taking action on a key element of its  financial commitment  to the  Kalahari Resorts and Conventions  facility.

City Council approved the sale of $21.3 million sales tax revenue bonds for project costs related to the design and construction of a 200,000 square foot  convention center  to be owned by the City adjacent to the Kalahari Resort hotel. The bond debt will be repaid through select State and City tax revenues generated by the project, which is expected to open in late 2020.
 
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Explore the galaxy at stargazing event
Calling all galaxy explorers and stargazers! The City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department's Junior Ranger program is hosting a free stargazing night from 8 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Old Settlers Park Lakeview Pavilion, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

Bring your family, explorers and stargazers for this free educational presentation, where you can learn about the stars in the beautiful sky above us with Ranger David.

For more information, contact Ranger David at drobinson@roundrocktexas.gov.
What's happening with the downtown water tower?
Notice any unusual activity around a downtown icon lately? Round Rock's historic water tower is getting a tune-up! Contractors are currently rehabilitating the 84-year-old structure by making minor repairs and repainting the interior and exterior of the tank and support structure. A containment shroud is expected to be placed over the tank while paint stripping takes place in the coming weeks.

Upon completion, a new, decorative LED lighting system will be installed on the tower in time for the holiday season.

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SHOP THE ROCK
New places to Shop the Rock: What's on our radar
It's easier than ever to Shop the Rock with new businesses opening in town! Don't forget that when you spend your money in Round Rock, you're helping to pay it forward and build our community.

Sweet Charlie’s, a Philadelphia-based dessert shop, is opening on Aug. 10 at 2800 S. Interstate 35. Known for their specialty Thai-inspired rolled ice cream, the chain allows customers to customize their creamy creations by placing them in a cup or on a doughnut or waffle topped with all kids of crazy extras like roasted marshmallows, graham crackers, syrup drizzles and more.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, a Louisiana-based chicken chain with a cult-like foodie following, is set to open a new location in Round Rock on Aug. 13. The restaurant will be located at 261 University Oaks Blvd. near Ikea in the University Oaks Shopping Center.

Burlington will open a new 41,000 square foot Round Rock location on Aug. 2 with a special grand opening event. The Round Rock location will be located at 120 Sundance Pkwy. in the La Frontera Shopping Center. The store plans to offer "great styles, top brands and [a] wide assortment of merchandise at up to 60 percent off other retailers’ prices."

Shopping the Rock equals more road projects, lower property taxes and a better quality of life! Learn more at shoptherock.com.
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FEATURE STORY
Round Rock chosen to host 2021 Triple-A All-Star Game
The Round Rock Express, in conjunction with the Pacific Coast League, International League and Minor League Baseball are proud to announce that the Triple-A All-Star Game, presented by Dell Technologies, will be held at Dell Diamond in the City of Round Rock for the first time in 2021.

“We could not be more excited to bring the Triple-A All-Star Game to Dell Diamond in 2021,” Express President Chris Almendarez said. “This is one of the biggest baseball-related events to take place in Round Rock’s storied history and we’re anxious to get to show off our great city and ballpark to our friends across Minor League Baseball.”

The 34th annual Triple-A All-Star Game at Dell Diamond is set for mid-July 2021. All-Star Week festivities include the Triple-A Home Run Derby as well as an All-Star luncheon. Dates, times and other All-Star-related events will be announced as the summer of 2021 draws nearer.

The Triple-A All-Star Game pits the brightest stars from the Pacific Coast League up against the best players in the International League in a nine-inning contest to determine Triple-A superiority. Blending the PCL and IL into a single game gives baseball fans the opportunity to see players on the other side of Triple-A Baseball that they wouldn’t normally get to see during the course of baseball season.

“As the Sports Capital of Texas, we are honored and excited to partner with the Express to host fans and players of the best teams in Triple-A Baseball,” Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said. “With the opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions on the horizon, Round Rock looks forward to hosting an All-Star experience to remember. Go Round Rock!”

Round Rock Express season members will have the first opportunity to secure tickets to the 2021 Triple-A All-Star Game festivities. Additional ticketing information regarding the All-Star Game and accompanying events will be announced in the near future.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Fall Vegetable Gardening
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Round Rock Public Library
216 E. Main St.
Come learn about fall vegetable gardening with Williamson County Master Gardeners Teresa Wilts and Jane Bowman. Their topics include: fall tomatoes and fall crops, preparing beds, which seeds to start and which ones to sow directly in the soil, mulching and how to use row covers to protect from frost.
Pop up Play Day
5-7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Lake Creek Park and Pool
800 Deerfoot Dr.
Join City of Round Rock's Parks and Recreation Department for free family outdoor fun, water fun and games at Lake Creek Pool, parachute games, Park Ranger Nature Rides, lawn games, music, dance, food and refreshments. This will be the last of this year's Pop up Play Days, which aim to help families learn about and enjoy their neighborhood parks.