By Megan Wehring
KYLE — Kyle residents are beginning to see a glimpse of Austin with the consistent development that has overtaken the city over the last few months, including Uptown at Plum Creek. Design is in discussion by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2 for the Uptown area before construction.
A TIRZ enables the city of Kyle to fund or partner on a series of projects to provide public benefit within a specific district, without an additional tax. The TIRZ #2 for the Uptown area of Plum Creek was established in 2018 for residential development, public improvement and quality employment.
One of the prioritized improvements in the Strategic Framework Plan, approved on April 2, is the Central Park at the heart of the district. The 1.6-acre park is designed for residents to have a space for an abundance of activities: music festivals, celebratory art, children playing, visiting family, watching sports and more.
Steven Spears, representative of Momark, told the TIRZ #2 Board that there are 10 values when it comes to constructing and designing the playground.
“The idea of security, site location, availability, exposure, aesthetics, age groups, user experience, play value, local community and identity,” Spears said. “These 10 really go hand in hand.”
Diversity and inclusion are essential when it comes to developing the Central Park playground, according to Spears. Principles of universal design include 360-degree elements for children to play from all sides, color signals, multifunctional pieces, accessibility and special solutions for special needs.
“Notice the large playground, the stages used for performance and people are dancing on the lawn,” Spears referred to the bird’s-eye view of the park. “The market is starting to wind down, people are connecting with each other. This park has the opportunity to be a signature destination for the citizens of Kyle to connect with family and friends. To enjoy that quality of life that makes Kyle so special.”
