The Round Rock City Council appoved the issuance of $12.5 million in certificates of obligation in July 2007 to help fund $18.9 million of improvements to Old Settlers Park.

Plans included major improvements to the ball fields, dugouts and spectator areas of the existing 20-field youth baseball and softball complexes, as well as the construction of new practice areas. We also built a new 5-field complex for girls’ softball complete with concession, hitting area and covered seating.

Field fatigue
Another issue is the overuse of the ball fields for practices, league play and tournaments. Proper maintenance necessitates that each field get a rest time. Current field capacity is maximized with up to 57 hours of play per week per field. We have found that reducing field time will enhance the playability. Our research shows that fields perform better in a range of 18-30 hours a week per field to allow for improved maintenance and adequate recovery.

To provide relief to the playing fields at Old Settlers Park, the City is working with the Round Rock ISD to create multi-purpose practice complexes. The practice areas would be lighted and possibly irrigated, and will provide enough space for four baseball/softball practices, or six soccer practices, or four football practices.