Round Rock’s Rock'N River water park is back in action for the summer, now super‑sized after a $19.3 million expansion that piles on new attractions, cabanas, and parking. City leaders cut a ribbon at Old Settlers Park on May 22 as the upgraded complex opened to the public, a project that nearly doubles the park’s footprint and bumps up daily capacity, according to city officials.
City Council records list a guaranteed maximum price of $19,263,319 for the work, funded through the voter‑approved 2023 general obligation bond program, according to City of Round Rock Legistar. The City Council signed off on the guaranteed‑price amendment in December 2024 as the expansion moved ahead.
What’s New At Rock’N River
The expansion adds a “total action” river with wave machines on both sides, an infinity‑edge pool, rentable VIP cabanas with private plunge pools, more shaded seating, and a combined restroom and pump‑filtration building. About 160 new parking spaces are also part of the buildout. The project is nearly double the size of the park’s first phase and increases daily capacity by roughly 600 visitors, as reported by Community Impact.
Ribbon Cutting And Access
City staff and elected officials held a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on May 22 to officially open the expanded areas, and the city says the new sections are available for use throughout the summer season. Officials also noted that Rock’N River stayed open during construction so families could keep using the original pools, according to the City of Round Rock.
Part Of A Larger Old Settlers Overhaul
The Rock’N River addition is one piece of a multiyear Old Settlers Park buildout that broke ground on Sept. 30, 2024, and includes a new Lakeview Pavilion, relocated courts, and an Athletic Performance Center planned to house Parks & Recreation staff. The broader program was approved by voters in 2023 and is scheduled to roll out over several years, per reporting from FOX 7 Austin.
Fees And Operations
Round Rock officials have moved forward with updates to Parks & Recreation fees that include higher daily admission rates for Rock’N River; staff told the council the changes are tied to the facility expansions. Details on the fee adjustments and how memberships will work once the Athletic Performance Center opens are outlined in city briefings, according to the City of Round Rock.
Before heading out, visitors are advised to check current hours, admission rates, and membership options on the city’s parks webpages. Expect crowds through the summer as families and league teams gravitate to the new attractions.
