Real Estate Photographer in Leander, TX

LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — The city of Leander is moving forward with plans for a major sports and entertainment complex that city leaders and developers say could help address a growing demand for youth sports facilities while driving economic development in the area.

The Leander City Council recently approved a Letter of Intent with CenTex Sports, advancing plans for a large-scale development on a roughly 40-acre site at 204 Heritage Grove Road. The project will include indoor and outdoor sports facilities along with retail, dining and wellness amenities.

According to the city, Phase 1 includes a more than 150,000-square-foot indoor sports complex, a covered track, soccer fields and beach volleyball courts. Additional baseball and softball fields are planned as part of a future phase.

For Adrian Chapa, founder of CenTex Sports, the project is meant to address difficulties in finding enough field space to host games and practices for youth sports.

“I run into a lot of issues trying to facilitate teams to have ample time to play our games,” Chapa said. “Typically we rent out Round Rock’s multi-purpose complex, and we hit 100 teams in a four-hour span. But that’s not normal. It’s hard to get any fields here.”

Chapa emphasized the vision extends beyond athletics.

“It’s bigger than sports,” Chapa said. “It’s going to be an ecosystem for families.”

Veronica Romero, chief development and operations officer for CenTex Sports, described the project as a “lifestyle destination” rather than a traditional sports complex. She said the development is designed to create opportunities for athletes and families in one location.

“It’s going to be providing, not just sports, but public education and community programs,” Romero said. “It really is a place where you can spend a couple of hours.”

Leander Mayor Na’Cole Thompson said the project aligns with the city’s rapid growth and family-oriented population.

“We know, by and large, the majority of our population in our city are folks that have young families,” Thompson said.

Thompson added the complex could serve as an economic driver for the area by attracting tournaments, visitors and additional business activity.

“This opens up another opportunity in a way, for people to stay local, shop local and be here because they’re also going to have retail spots available,” Thompson said.

Developers estimate the project could exceed $145 million when fully built out, with construction occurring in multiple phases. Romero said the project would be privately funded, with the city assisting through development agreements and infrastructure improvements.

According to the city, Phase 1 construction must begin by the end of 2027 and be completed by the end of 2028. Additional facilities included in Phase 2 are expected to be completed by 2030.

Leander Independent School District is asking voters to authorize a three-cent property tax increase on the November 3 ballot.

In August, the LISD Board of Trustees voted to put the voter-approval tax rate election on the ballot.

If authorized, the total property tax rate would increase to $1.1169 per $100 taxable value.

With the increase, the average LISD tax bill will increase to $27.56 per year based on the average taxable value of $460,292.

Without the tax rate increase, the average LISD tax bill will decrease by $110.53 per year.

Authorization would result in a 3.72 percent increase in maintenance and operations tax revenue, approximately $6.7 million after state recapture.

Proceeds from property taxes go to maintenance and operations, which funds day-to-day expenses such as utilities, educational programming, classroom supplies, salaries, and fuel.

The projected 2026-27 budget deficit of $9.9 million would decrease to $3.2 million if voters approve the proposed tax increase.

According to a 2026 study, Texas ranked eighth-highest in the U.S. for property taxes, above California.

According to LISD, “Rising property values leads to an increase in the amount of tax revenue collected but this does not mean the school district sees an increase in revenue. There is a relationship between local and state funds where when local tax collections increase, state funds to a school district decrease.”

Facebook commenters expressed misgivings about LISD’s spending habits.

“Off the rails, out of control spending of LISD has earned it one of the most debt-ridden districts in all of Texas! Their current debt is $1.5 BILLION DOLLARS! And that is an average of $36,000 PER STUDENT!”

LISD’s total taxpayer-funded bond debt was $1,483,944,911 as of June 30, 2026.

Other commenters expressed concerns on Keeping LISD Strong’s Facebook page.

“Leander administration and board spend spend spend. Time to hold them accountable and make different moves besides begging for more taxes.”

LISD ranked number one for highest total CAB debt service outstanding as of fiscal year 2025.

“They are still paying for things on 30 year bonds that have long since been worn out and gone after 10 years!!!!! LISD spending is insane!” wrote another commenter.

The Keep LISD Strong PAC supports the VATRE. Its largest donor is Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., a planning and engineering service firm.

The VATRE will appear on the November 3 ballot, with early voting ongoing until Friday, October 30.

LEANDER, TX – October 23, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Box Tree Care, a local arborist company owned and operated by Joshua Box, has expanded its range of professional tree care offerings to meet growing demand for Leander tree maintenance among residential and commercial property owners. The company now provides a comprehensive selection of services designed to address both routine care and emergency situations across the area.

The expanded offerings include tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, and oak wilt treatment. Each service is performed by trained professionals who understand the growth patterns of different tree species and the regional conditions that affect tree health in central Texas.

Box Tree Care tree maintenance plans focus on reducing the risk of falling branches, which can pose hazards to people, property, and surrounding structures during storms or adverse weather. Skilled arborists trim trees in a manner intended to promote healthy growth while minimizing potential dangers during seasonal weather events.

For trees that pose a significant risk due to disease, unstable growth patterns, or other factors, Box Tree Care offers a tree removal service that uses safe and efficient methods to remove hazardous trees while limiting damage to the surrounding landscape. Following removal, the company’s stump grinding service addresses remaining stumps through a method considered less disruptive than traditional excavation.

Box Tree Care has earned a consistent record of five-star reviews from clients across the region, reflecting the company’s attention to safety, workmanship, and customer communication. One such review can be found among the company’s listed references online.

“Trees are a long-term investment in any property, and caring for them properly requires an understanding of each species and the local environment,” said Joshua Box, owner of Box Tree Care. “The decision to broaden the range of services came from listening to what property owners in the area actually need throughout the year, from routine maintenance to storm preparation.”

The company also provides lot clearing for residential and commercial development projects, removing trees, shrubs, and other obstacles to prepare land for construction or landscaping. In addition, Box Tree Care offers oak wilt treatment, addressing a fungal disease that causes rapid wilting and death of oak leaves through methods that include fungal injections and the pruning of infected branches.

“Early detection and timely care make a meaningful difference, particularly with conditions such as oak wilt that can spread quickly,” Box added. “A free consultation and assessment from an experienced arborist helps property owners understand the condition of their trees before small issues become larger problems.”

Box Tree Care provides each client with a complimentary consultation, offering expert assessments from experienced arborists before any work begins.

Box Tree Care is a tree care company owned and operated by Joshua Box, serving residential and commercial property owners with a focus on nurturing and maintaining trees. The company specializes in tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, and oak wilt treatment, combining professional expertise with an emphasis on safety and the long-term health of each property’s landscape.

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For more information about Box Tree Care, contact the company here:

Box Tree CareJosh Box(737) 777-8022josh@boxtreecare.comBox Tree Care1833 Baranco WayLeander, TX 78641

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With fall around the corner, Leander is continuing to experience rapid growth and development. Here are some notable business updates.

NOW OPEN

Vanta Beauty Lounge

The new salon provides a range of hairstyling services, including haircuts, highlights and extensions. Business owner James Parker specializes in blond and vivid hair.

Limegreen Southeast Asian Grill

The restaurant offers customizable banh mi or bowls. Beyond dine-in, mobile ordering and takeout, the restaurant location also offers catering.

Scheels Cedar Park

As one of the largest retail spaces in Texas, the new sporting goods store features a ferris wheel, 16,000-gallon saltwater aquariums, candy shop and wild animal exhibits.

COMING SOON

Aubergine Kitchen

The health-focused restaurant plans to expand to Texas with a location in Northline by spring 2027. Aubergine serves food prepared without seed oils and added sugars for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wren’s Landing

The neighborhood board game cafe and bar plans to open in December. Co-owners Charles and Mindy Carlson are seeking to build community and connection over tabletop board games.

IN THE NEWS/ANNIVERSARIES

Liberty Mail Center

The family-owned packing, shipping and printing business celebrated its fifth anniversary this summer. Liberty Mail Center offers copying, packing, notary services, document shredding and passport photos, among other products.

Bearoose Ranch

The 8-acre private event space changed management spring of this year. The venue hosts weddings, private gatherings, corporate retreats, family gatherings and other events.

WHAT’S NEXT: Permits filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

7 Brew

Leander's second 7 Brew Coffee is planned for Northline. Project filings indicate the location will begin construction in September.

Wingstop

The iconic wings chain will begin construction Nov. 28 along Hero Way, according to project filings. Wingstop also has a location in Bar W Marketplace shopping center.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

The sandwich shop is known for its wide variety of eccentrically named sandwiches that are served on Dutch crunch bread with the restaurant’s signature “dirty sauce.” The menu features vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options.

Urban Bird Hot Chicken

The restaurant specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, including tenders, sandwiches, loaded fries and chicken-and-waffles dishes. Customers can choose from multiple spice levels.

Chewy Vet Care

Chewy, an online pet supply retailer, opened its first veterinary clinics in 2024. The clinics offer routine medical appointments and urgent care for cats and dogs.

Play It Again Sports

The store is a sports and fitness gear resale business that allows visitors to sell quality used equipment for cash. No appointments are necessary to sell fitness goods.

RELOCATIONS

Judith K Bridal

The speakeasy-themed, off-the-rack wedding boutique relocated from Lakeway to a larger space. The boutique features a built-in dressing area, modern and moody chandelier lighting, new countertops and 1920s-themed art and decor.

WORTH THE TRIP

COTALAND Theme Park

The theme park is slated to feature over 30 experiences, including the first tilt roller coaster in Texas, mini golf, go-karts and a zipline. The Hot Lap experience will allow guests to ride along on the Formula 1 Track.

Fall festival season is almost here, and one of Central Texas’ most popular autumn traditions is gearing up for its biggest year yet.

Texas Pumpkin Fest is returning to Leander from October 10 through November 1, 2026, bringing back fan-favorite attractions while adding several major new experiences for families looking to celebrate the season.

This year’s festival introduces a towering 60-foot Ferris wheel and a thrilling 135-foot Super Slide, expanding an already packed lineup of entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages.

Held at VFW Post 10427 in Leander, Texas Pumpkin Fest has become a fall destination for families across the Austin area. Guests can spend the day exploring a massive pumpkin patch, enjoying live entertainment, and taking part in a variety of seasonal activities designed to create unforgettable family memories.

According to LisaBeth Thomas, Publicist for Texas Pumpkin Fest, the event continues to evolve each year with new attractions and experiences.

“Our goal has always been to create a magical experience where families can unplug, spend quality time together, and create traditions they’ll remember for years,” LisaBeth says. “Every year we continue investing in new attractions, entertainment, and guest experiences to make Texas Pumpkin Fest a destination families look forward to visiting every fall.”

Among the most anticipated returning attractions is live professional wrestling, which will once again take center stage throughout the festival. Guests can also enjoy family-friendly magic shows, carnival rides, train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, bungee trampolines, an inflatable hay maze, axe throwing, face painting, pumpkin pie eating contests, and the popular Pumpkin Smash’N experience.

The festival’s entertainment schedule includes wrestling matches, interactive activities, contests, and performances designed for both kids and adults. Many of the event’s signature experiences, including the pumpkin patch, professional wrestling matches, magic shows, and Halloween-themed photo opportunities, are included with paid admission.

Visitors looking for the perfect fall photo will find no shortage of seasonal backdrops. Texas Pumpkin Fest features dozens of Instagram-worthy displays, including its iconic 12-foot Pumpkin Arch, giant pumpkins, pumpkin piles, hay bale displays, vintage tractors, fall-themed thrones, a giant walk-through inflatable pumpkin, and appearances from fan favorite Stan the Pumpkin Man.

In addition to attractions and entertainment, guests can browse local vendor booths and enjoy a variety of food trucks, seasonal treats, beer, and wine throughout the festival grounds.

Festival organizers say hosting the event at VFW Post 10427 also allows Texas Pumpkin Fest to continue supporting the local veteran community while welcoming visitors from across Central Texas and beyond.

Texas Pumpkin Fest 2026 Information

Dates: October 10 through November 1, 2026

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday, plus Monday, October 12, and Friday, October 30

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: VFW Post 10427, 8760 FM 2243, Leander, TX 78641

For tickets, event details, and a complete list of attractions, visit TexasPumpkinFest.com.

All facts from this article were gathered by Studio 512 employees. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by Studio 512 staff.