PARKS AND TRAILS

PARKS & RECREATION 2021 Parks and Recreation Plans

The Sonterra Municipal Utility District is responsible for evaluating, planning, and developing various types of parks, trails, and open spaces within and around the district for the wellness and enjoyment of families, sports enthusiasts, and residents of all ages. The Sonterra Parks and Recreation Plan currently underway will provide new and improved recreational facilities throughout the entire subdivision. The Board's focus is to provide homeowners with a diverse mix of facilities that will appeal to all ages, and Phase I is scheduled to begin this month.

AMENITIES

The Parks and Recreation Plan is a multi-year project that aims to deliver improvements to every homeowner area in the Sonterra district. HOA Vice President Andy Bilger is looking forward to adding or enhancing the amenities of Sonterra. Planned additions include a new and modern pool facility, walking trails, basketball pavilions, pickleball courts, and skateboard areas. Future phases will add sports fields for recreational and competitive play.

Also included in the plans is a trail system, which will link all areas of the Sonterra subdivision together—from the current community pool site to the elementary schools and new parks.

Andy says, "Our intent is for every area in Sonterra to have convenient access to recreational amenities. The first phase of the project will begin immediately; we are going to upgrade the current pool facility with two splash pads, one of which will be open year-round. We are also going to add walking trails, build a skateboard/bicycle/scooter pump track, and a new mountain bike trail."

UPGRADES

Upgrades in the plan include shade structures, tables, new deck coating, and a shaded splash pad adjacent to the current community pool and expanded pool area.

The park area outside of the pool will have a shade structure above the new playground equipment as well as a shaded Splash Pad and sitting area that will remain open for use year round.

After the Park & Recreation Bonds are in place, the MUD will begin construction on an additional pool facility, new walking trails, and additional sports facilities.

TIME AND EXPENSE

The MUD plans to break ground on the existing pool upgrades, trails, pump track and bike trail by mid-March. Andy expects the upgraded community pool to be ready to open for guests to celebrate Memorial Day May 31, 2021.

Residents can rest assured that these changes will not affect their wallets. He explains, "Both the HOA and MUD will ultimately pay the costs of these community upgrades. There will be no increase in taxes to the homeowners on a yearly basis. The Sonterra MUD has current capacity in its tax rate to accommodate the planned and propose amenity improvements."

More so, as the plan is a planned-phase project, Sonterra MUD will have the ability to finance up to $15 million in amenities over the next five to ten years without affecting the current homeowner tax rates. Andy adds, "Although there are a number of phases to our Park & Recreation Plan, that are designed or under design, future changes undoubtedly will occur as new boards react to shifts in the community and changing park interests."

All the amenities are available to both Sonterra and Jarrell residents. The trails, sports facilities, play areas, pavilions, and splash pad will be open to the public at no charge. The use of the pool and splash pad inside the pool facility is included in Sonterra HOA/MUD fee; these amenities can be accessed by non-Sonterra residents for a small entry fee.

For information, updates, and progress pictures, visit Sonterra Parks and Trails on Facebook.

PARKS & RECREATION