Bagdad Road: Crystal Falls Parkway to Old 2243 • Leander
Bagdad Road: Crystal Falls Parkway to Old 2243 • Leander
By Laura Wickett Friday, 19 June 2009
Robin Bledsoe Park, originally called City Park, is Leander’s first park. In 2006, it was renamed to honor local businessman Robin Bledsoe, who often donated materials and funds for city projects. Park amenities include a pool, water playscape, two multipurpose lighted athletic fields, lighted basketball court, group pavilion, picnic area, playscape, amphitheater, restrooms, concession building and trails. Park hours are daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The pool is open Tue.-Sun., noon-7 p.m., June 9 to Sept. 7.
The Leander Public Library moved to its current location in 2006. Summer reading programs begin in June for children, teens and adults. Hours are Mon-Thu. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. www.youseemore.com/leander
Williamson-Burnet County Opportunities operates two programs at the Bagdad Center. The goal of the Head Start program is to help children ages newborn to 5 who are developmentally behind their classmates, become fully prepared for school with a strong support system. Admittance is determined by a need-based application process, and a waiting list is in place.
WBCO also operates a Senior Activity Center, providing for both active and homebound seniors. The Meals on Wheels service provides meals for homebound seniors in Leander, Cedar Park and Liberty Hill. Volunteers are needed to help deliver food and check in on seniors, especially those who live alone. For those seniors who are not homebound, meals are served at the center. Activities include bridge, dominoes, bingo and guest speakers. For more information or to volunteer, contact WBCO at 763-1400 or www.wbco.net.
University of Texas at Austin research facility
The Central Texas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, founded in 1988, is a no-kill shelter with limited intake of dogs and cats. All services are funded through private donations and adoption fees. Visiting hours are Mon. and Fri., 3-7 p.m. and Sat. and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. For more information on adoptions, donations and volunteering, call 260-SPCA (7722) or visit www.centraltexasspca.org.
The Mason homestead dates back to the late 1860s and was donated to the city by Christine Mason in 2005. The homestead is located on the original Mason ranch and will serve as a meeting place and museum for the community. The city expects it to open at the end of 2010.
The Bagdad Cemetery began with a land donation by the Babcock family, one of the founding families of the town of Bagdad, for the grave of their son in 1852. Many Confederate soldiers are buried there, and the original portion of the cemetery indicates the burial spots of former slaves.
The cemetery continues to serve the community. A new section is planned with an additional 20 acres for growth.The Bagdad Cemetery Association hosts an Annual Homecoming the second Sunday in June. Mirroring the tradition of families cleaning around the grave sites and then picnicking, the association welcomes families of those buried in the cemetery to gather on the grounds.
Wrench Funeral Home & Cremation Services broke ground May 1. The family-owned-and-operated service anticipates opening in October. The 5,000 sq. ft. building will include a chapel, outdoor courtyard, large staterooms, family lounge, kitchen and reception area. Services to be offered include traditional funerals, cremations, memorial services and eco-friendly green burials. Visit www.wrenchfuneralhome.com.
A new Texaco station anticipates a July 1 ground breaking and will open in the fall. The convenience store and gas station will have kitchen equipment to offer food options for customers.
Longhorn Plumbing is a commercial plumbing business established in 1981. Call 259-3400.
K&D Storage opened for business in 1998. The storage facility also offers a U-Haul rental service. K&D is open Tue.-Sat. Call 259-8007.
Integrated Metal Products was established in 1993 and manufactures custom sheet metal parts for companies in the medical, telecommunications and electronics industries. Visit www.impinc.net.
The TxDOT sidewalk project planned in two phases along Bagdad Road, originally intended to begin work this summer, has been postponed indefinitely. Once placed back on the schedule, the sidewalks will run from Leander High School to Robin Bledsoe Park.
The intersection improvements at Bagdad Road and Old 2243 are expected to last through September due to a delay in utility relocation. The Bagdad Road closure north of Old 2243 is expected to be closed for 2-3 weeks in mid- to late summer, less time than previously anticipated. Visit the capital improvements section of www.leandertx.org for a map of the detour.
