Round Rock voters approved bonds in 2001 to build a Recreation Center on the city’s west side, and plans are now underway to build the facility on Round Rock ISD property at Round Rock High School.

City officials approached Round Rock ISD to discuss the possibility of leasing approximately 4.75 acres of district property (PDF), which includes 1.8 acres of the Micki Krebsbach Pool. The Recreation Center would be constructed on 1.7 acres and an additional 1.25 acres will be allocated for parking. The Recreation Center would be built next to the Micki Krebsbach Pool.

The joint venture still needs final approval by the Round Rock City Council and RRISD’s Board of Trustees. The Trustees are expected to learn more about the partnership at its Regular Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21.

“This venture could be mutually beneficial to taxpayers and it is an efficient use of resources,” Superintendent Dr. Jesús Chávez said.

Student safety is paramount, and city and district officials will work together to take the necessary precautions to provide a safe environment. District officials have asked the city to put in similar campus safeguards at the Recreation Center. The land proposed for the Recreation Center will not impact any current programs at the high school; all athletic, fine arts and extracurricular programs will continue to have appropriate space to operate its programs.

The City Council and Board of Trustees are both expected to make a decision regarding the joint venture this summer. If approved the Recreation Center will be open to the public in 12 to 18 months.

“We believe we can address issues related to safety and program space to everyone’s satisfaction and build a recreation center the entire community can enjoy,” City Manager Jim Nuse said. “This will be another example of the City and RRISD working together to maximize our limited resources to the community’s benefit.”