The City of Cedar Park Newsletter

Official news about the City of Cedar Park from the City of Cedar Park

New Hope Drive Construction Update

The next construction phase of New Hope Drive has begun, including a new traffic pattern designed to keep things moving smoothly. Great news—access to businesses will be maintained, and the left turns onto Avenue of the Stars and Discovery are open again!

Traffic accommodations will be made for graduation ceremonies happening at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. Please stay alert when arriving and exiting.

Keep an eye out for traffic signals and cones, be mindful of your speed in construction zones, and drive safe, Cedar Park!

NOW OPEN: Brushy Creek Splash Pad

The ribbon has been cut, and the Brushy Creek Splash Pad is officially open! This premier recreational space is designed to bring families, friends, and neighbors together and reflects Cedar Park’s commitment to creating more ways to play through innovative, safe, and engaging experiences.

Thanks to $1.1 million funding investment from the 4B Community Development (Type B Corporation), the splash pad has been transformed into a destination where every visitor can find joy in the water, whether through thrilling new features or enhanced comfort and safety measures.

Click here to learn more about the Splash Pad!

Governor Abbott Appoints Cedar Park Fire Chief to Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Cedar Park Fire Chief James Mallinger to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for a term set to expire February 1, 2029. The Commission is responsible for developing and enforcing statewide fire service standards and provides education and assistance to the industry. Chief Mallinger’s appointment reflects his extensive experience and dedication to advancing fire service excellence across the state.

In his role as commissioner, Chief Mallinger will help shape and uphold statewide fire service standards while offering guidance and support to fire departments across Texas, reinforcing his longstanding dedication to advancing fire safety and professional excellence.

Chief James Mallinger began his fire service career as a volunteer in 1989, joining the Cedar Park Fire Department in 1996. Over nearly three decades, he has risen through the ranks—from Firefighter to Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief in 2012, following two interim appointments. He also served six years as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Today, he leads a department of 92 firefighters and four civilian staff, overseeing a $16.8 million annual budget.

Beyond Cedar Park, Chief Mallinger shares his expertise as an Adjunct Instructor with TEEX and Austin Community College. He holds advanced degrees from Texas State University and credentials from Austin Community College and Texas A&M's Recruit Fire School. Nationally recognized, he is a certified Fire Service Chief Executive Officer, Executive Fire Officer, and Chief Fire Officer.

Active in professional leadership, he serves as Vice President of the Capital Area Fire Chiefs Association, a past president and member of the Williamson County and Texas Fire Chiefs Associations, and sits on advisory boards for fire programs at Austin Community College and Texas State University.

Last night, City Council recognized the Cedar Park High School Girls' Soccer Team as the 2025 5A UIL State Champions.

Congratulations Timberwolves!

Music Friendly Texas Community

Governor Abbott officially announced the City of Cedar Park as Texas' newest Music Friendly Texas Community on Friday, April 25! This designation highlights Cedar Park’s commitment to fostering a vibrant music scene to drive economic vitality and job creation.

Click here to read more!

Resident Survey Results

Thank you for participating in the Resident Survey! Here are just a few of the results we've already received, highlighting services like Fire Services, Library Services, Stormwater Management, and more. Click here to view the full results!

Call For Entries

You are invited to become an exciting part of Cedar Park by submitting your work for a year-long period of display in the Cedar Park Community Sculpture Garden! Entries are being accepted now through July 11.

Since its creation in October 2013, the Sculpture Garden has been a treasured cultural asset in the Cedar Park community. Sculptures on display in the garden have previously sold both to private collectors and have been purchased by the City for its permanent collection. Artists are once again invited to submit their works to be considered for display in the garden.

Click here to download the application.

LISD Apprentice Program

As the LISD Apprentice Program comes to an end, the City of Cedar Park wants to recognize the dedication and professionalism our participants have shown throughout their time here.

Our participants include:

Brock Meador – Apprentice for Water Distribution
Tyler de los Santos – Apprentice for Waste Water Collections
Heidi Williams – Apprentice for the Water Treatment Plant

Each student has been a valued part of the Public Works & Utility Department, and we hope that this experience has provided meaningful insights and life skills that will support them in their future endeavors.

It is also the City of Cedar Park's intent to hire all three to work in Public Works with the City of Cedar Park. We are excited about the possibility of them joining our team and contributing to the City’s mission to provide excellent public service to our community.

Live @ Lakeline

Your favorite concert series at Lakeline Park is back! Enjoy live music from local bands, tasty food trucks, beer & wine, and lawn games. Mark your calendars for next week's event!

Upcoming Dates & Lineup

May 16: Queen Legacy

May 30: The Ransom Brothers

June 6: Sarah Hobbs

Summer programs are right around the corner! Check out everything Parks & Recreation has coming up.

Call the Recreation Center at 512-401-5526 or visit cedarparktexas.gov/play for details and registration information.

City Council recognized May 5 - 9, 2025 as Public Service Recognition Week. As such, the City's Employee Engagement Committee, Cedar Park Organizational committee, was celebrated for their contributions to the City of Cedar Park's workplace culture and engagement.

City Manager's Report: The City of Cedar Park welcomes Heath Douglas, Director of Information Technology.

The most recent City Council meeting took place on May 8, 2025.

Highlights included:

A proclamation was presented recognizing May 5 - 9, 2025 as Air Quality Awareness Week.
Council approved an agreement authorizing a partnership with the Lunar Foundation for an Asian Night Market at Lakeline Park on October 18, 2025.
Council authorized a professional services agreement amendment for RM 1431 roadway improvements from Bagdad Road to New Hope Drive.
Council agreed to authorizing the landscaping and pre-construction design phase for the next phase of Lakeline Park.