Garey Park construction to break ground March 31

The City will break ground on Garey Park on March 31 at 2 p.m. at Garey House, 6450 FM 2243.

The 525-acre ranch, which is located along the South San Gabriel River, was donated by Jack and Cammy Garey in 2004 along with $5 million for park development. In 2008 voters approved a bond for an additional $10 million for the park’s construction.

Upon completion, Garey Park will become the City’s largest park, which is roughly 1.5 times the size of Zilker Park in Austin.

Amenities at the park will include a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, the Garey House event space, pavilions, and more than 6 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Other facilities include an entry gate, restrooms and a maintenance facility.

Construction of the park is expected to be completed in early 2018 with the park opening in spring 2018.

City Council approved a $10.7 million contract Feb. 14 with Ritter-Botkin Prime Construction Co. of Pflugerville for the Garey House renovation and park construction. Austin-based Halff Associates completed the park’s design. The total budget for the project is $13.5 million.

The Garey Park site is on FM 2243 approximately 6 miles west of I-35. The groundbreaking event will be near the Garey House. Parking is available near the groundbreaking site.