Williamson County proposes greenbelt through Vista Oaks neighborhood

Williamson County is proposing a greenbelt through the Vista Oaks neighborhood that would connect two nearby trail systems.

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- A proposed plan by Williamson County to connect two nearby trail systems through the Vista Oaks neighborhood is causing some neighbors to voice their opinions about the plan.

The county held one of three listening sessions on Thursday evening in the neighborhood to talk to neighbors face-to-face about the plans.

"There are some that are not excited about it, simply because they feel like it would increase added traffic to the neighborhood," Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck said.

There is already an existing trail that cuts through the neighborhood. The county hopes it can use that and upgrade it.

"We would be looking for a 20-foot easement and construct a 10-foot wide concrete trail on it," added Fishbeck.

The roughly two-mile trail would connect Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail in Round Rock.

KXAN tried to talk to more than a dozen residents during Thursday's listening session, but none of them wanted to comment on the record.

Fishbeck said connecting the trails has always been a long-term goal of the county.

"The project would be made possible by voter-approved bonds in 2019 and 2023," added Fishbeck.

If approved by the homeowner's association, the county said construction would begin in about 10 months. It would take another six to eight to finish.

"Whenever we do any kind of surveys with local communities, or citizens, trails are one of the high-priority requests," said Fishbeck. "This falls in line with what residents like and enjoy as well."

The county remains hopeful the plan will go ahead. It hopes to address any concerns now rather than later.

The next listening sessions are planned as follows:

• Saturday, July 20, from 9-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 23, from 6-8 p.m.

Williamson County has a Q&A about the proposed plan available online.

KXAN will continue to follow the story and let you know what the HOA ultimately decides.