City, nonprofits celebrate
Preservation Month
In May, the City of Georgetown, The Williamson Museum, and Preservation Georgetown will host a series of Preservation Month events in Georgetown to celebrate Preservation Month.
Events include:
May 5: Plein Air Painting with Preservation Georgetown at Grace Heritage Center, 817 S. Main St.
May 12: Historic Walking Tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., beginning at Founders Park, 814 S. Church St.
May 17: Texas Treasures Award presented by the Main Street Program during Preservation Georgetown’s Third Thursday event. Two businesses that have operated in Georgetown for more than 50 years will be recognized.
May 19: “Marking History,” highlighting historical figures around downtown, The Williamson Museum
Preservation Month helps celebrate preservation projects throughout the city, including the rehabilitation of Grace Heritage Center and Founders Park, which were completed last year.
To join the theme of Preservation Month, take a “This Place Matters” photo at a place you love and post it on social media. Download a sign at savingplaces.org. Go to williamsonmuseum.org or georgetownheritagesociety.org for details on events. More information about the City’s historic resources can be found at historic.georgetown.org.
Fair Housing Assessment Survey
Williamson County is currently participating in a collaborative planning process with nine other local jurisdictions to conduct a regional housing and economic opportunity study. The study is designed to better understand residents’ housing decisions and their experiences living, working or going to school in the region. (Story on Commissioners’ Resolution )
The survey is open to anyone in the Central Texas region, so please share the survey with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers by May 31, 2018. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. At the end of the survey, participants can enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Responses are completely confidential and will only be reported in combination with other responses. Research.net/r/CentralTXAI
Paper copies of the survey are available at the Williamson County Historic Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in Georgetown, and at the county commissioners’ offices.
More information about the study can be found at www.centraltexasfairhousing.org. For questions about the study or Williamson County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, contact Sally Bardwell at sbardwell@wilco.org or 512-943-3757.
Garey Park to open June 9
The City will celebrate the grand opening of Garey Park on June 9.
At 525-acres, Garey Park is one of the largest city parks in the state and is roughly 1.5 times the size of Zilker Park in Austin.
The park, which is located along the South San Gabriel River at 6540 RM 2243, 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.
“The City is thankful for this tremendous gift from the Gareys that has become a public park for all of us to enjoy,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “Garey Park will be a regional destination for outdoor recreation as well as a beautiful Hill Country setting for special events. With features similar to those found in state parks, this park is surely a gem for the City of Georgetown, and one that our residents and visitors will enjoy for many years to come.”
Amenities at the park include a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, the Garey House event space, pavilions, 3 miles of hiking trails, and 6 miles of equestrian trails.
Other facilities include an entry gate, restrooms and a maintenance facility.
“I am looking forward to the seeing the finished project and enjoying the park,” Jack Garey said. “There is a lot for everyone to enjoy.”
The City broke ground on the park in March 2017. Construction was completed by Ritter-Botkin Prime Construction Co. of Pflugerville and Austin-based Halff Associates completed the park’s design.
Details for the grand opening celebration are still being finalized.
2019 Community Health Survey
Williamson County and the WilCo Wellness Alliance invites you and your friends and family to take part in a Community Health Survey. It will take approximately five minutes to complete (2 screens) and is completely confidential. Your answers will inform how the Alliance will research and prioritize health issues in our communities. Surveys in English and Spanish are available at: HealthyWilliamsonCounty.org/cha.
GISD Student Enrollment
Georgetown ISD is continuing registration for new students. On Wed, May 9, 4–6:30pm, staff will be at Carver, Mitchell, Purl, and Pickett Elementary Schools. Pre-K students zoned to attend Pickett should enroll at Purl Elementary. Learn more at Georgetownisd.org/enrollment
