Cedar Park

www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us

Located in southern Williamson County, 20 miles from Austin, Cedar Park is at the leading edge of the rapid growth occurring along the US Highway 183 corridor. The city is bisected by US Highway 183, which links the southeast and northwest sectors of the Austin metro area.

History

Various sources indicate that the Cedar Park area has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years—including the book “The History of Cedar Park,” published in the 1980s; documented evidence from the University of Texas study done in the 1930s; and from the discovery of the skeleton of “LeAnn, the Leanderthal Lady” during the construction of FM 1431.

The first permanent shelter, a military fort, in what would become Williamson County, was built in the 1830s. Cedar Park took its name in 1887, but earlier in the 1800s, the community had a number of different names, including Running Brushy and Bruggerhoff. Cedar was used by the Indians and early settlers for building shelters, fencing, furniture, etc. A cedar mill existed at the intersection of US Highway 183 and Cypress Creek Road in the late 1930s and people in Cedar Park made their living from cutting cedar posts.

A government program in the 1880s encouraged railroad companies to build in undeveloped areas. In 1881, the Austin and Northwest Railroad Company obtained a charter to bring a narrow gauge railroad from Austin to Burnet. The line was completed in 1882 and would begin the development of Cedar Park. Development was boosted further by the paving of what would become US Highway 183 in 1928.

In the 1970s, Cedar Park’s real growth had begun. Families seeking a more rural homestead moved into the area. As the growth of Austin continued, talk of incorporating Cedar Park began, and in 1973, incorporation occurred.
The City of Cedar Park is a home-rule city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. All the powers of the city are vested in an elected Council, consisting of a mayor and six council members. The council enacts local legislation, determines city policies and employs the city manager.

In and Around Cedar Park

With the completion of the Elizabeth M. Milburn community park, residents have access to both lap and recreational pools, soccer fields, facilities for group gatherings, a pavilion with picnic tables, playgrounds, hiking path, tennis and basketball courts and a sand volleyball area.

The City of Cedar Park maintains 11 neighborhood parks: Peggy Garner, Park Place, Riviera Springs, Cypress Bend, Cypress Mill at mesquite, Cypress Mill at Chimney Swift, Buttercup Creek, Creekside, Wild Rose, Nelson Ranch, and Cluck Creek retention facility.