The Round Rock City Council has approved the first project in the next planned expansion of Play for All Park, one of the city’s most visited outdoor destinations.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, council members voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with Whirlix Design for the purchase and installation of new play equipment. The project, part of the 2023 general obligation bond package approved by voters, will add a sustainability-themed play pod to the southwest portion of the park.

Funding for the $536,468 project includes a $250,000 grant from Republic Services to the Play for All Foundation, a nonprofit that has supported the park since its inception. The remainder will come from the voter-approved bond package. Republic Services, which provides trash and recycling services to Round Rock residents, is also represented in the design of the new equipment. Features will include a recycling truck slide, an interactive “recycling center,” and an accessible globe spinner wall.

Construction is expected to begin this month, with completion anticipated in spring or summer of 2026.

Play for All Park, located at 151 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., first opened in 2012 and quickly became a popular community space. A major expansion in 2017 nearly tripled its size, supported by $600,000 in cash donations and $400,000 in in-kind contributions from local businesses, service clubs, and residents.

The park was created to provide children of all abilities with opportunities to play and develop skills in an inclusive environment. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department estimates the park attracts about 1,000 visitors daily and has welcomed more than 3 million guests since opening.

Future expansion plans also include replacing Dennis’s Dream Playground, the original all-abilities play area named in honor of Dennis Seymore, whose mobility challenges inspired his father to advocate for inclusive play opportunities.

For more information about the 2023 bond package, visit http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/bond.