If you have driven past Old Settlers Park lately, you have probably noticed the construction fences and crews staking out fresh territory. That activity marks the start of the new Joanne Land Playground, a playscape city officials say will be the largest in Round Rock’s inventory and is expected to open this spring. The new build is part of the broader Lakeview-area expansion and will replace the heavily used playground named for longtime city secretary Joanne Land.
City: New Super-Size Playscape Under Way
Round Rock officials say crews have started installing a custom playground that will be roughly twice the footprint of the former Joanne Land unit. The project carries an approximately $1.87 million price tag and is funded through the voter-approved 2023 general obligation bond program, according to the City of Round Rock. The new structure will sit next to the Lakeview Pavilion and permanent stage that were built as part of the same park overhaul.
What To Expect On The Equipment
Design renderings and city statements show the playscape will feature poured-in-place rubber surfacing and plastic components selected to minimize heat absorption during the brutal Central Texas summers. The layout includes integrated lighting for evening visits, a dedicated swing area, and a separate zone for younger children. The playground is expected to open sometime this spring, as reported by Community Impact. Officials say the design is a custom build that the manufacturer plans to add to its catalog.
Part Of A Larger Park Overhaul
The playground is one piece of a sweeping, multiyear renovation at Old Settlers Park that also includes an expanded waterpark, upgrades to sports fields, and a new two-story Lakeview Pavilion. Local reporting describes the full program as a more-than-$200 million effort funded largely by the 2023 bond package and city revenues, with phased openings scheduled through 2027, per the Austin American-Statesman. City leaders have said the Lakeview area would come online in stages, with the playground arriving after the pavilion opened last fall.
Who Built It
WeBuildFun, the local vendor that installed the original Joanne Land Playground in 2016, is handling the new custom installation and lists the park among its featured projects. The company partners with Miracle Recreation Equipment and offers turnkey installations for municipalities, according to WeBuildFun. City project managers describe the new playground as a first-of-its-kind installation that will be showcased in the manufacturer’s catalog.
When Families Can Visit
The city has the playground slated to open this spring, and in the meantime has posted maps and detour guidance as construction affects trails and interior roads in and around the Lakeview area. Park visitors should expect temporary closures there and can track project updates and closure maps on the city’s bond project pages, per the City of Round Rock. Officials recommend checking the city’s newsflash for the latest timing and access details before heading out for a playground day.
