The Back Nine Golf, an indoor golf simulator and training center, will be opening in Leander next spring.

The details: The Back Nine will offer several high-tech simulation bays where golfers can work to perfect their swing. The facility will be available 24 hours a day to accommodate a variety of schedules and will allow players to play simulations of golf courses from around the world while tracking their stats. The facility will offer tournament play, can sponsor corporate events and will host kids' training camps.

What else?: The golf franchise has locations in all 50 U.S. states.

• 11700 Hero Way W., Ste. 120, Leander

Peace Lutheran Church is preparing to open a new shelter for families facing hardship—only the second of its kind in the area, according to Lynne Williams, executive director of HomeAid Austin.
The church hopes this new initiative will become the blueprint for other aid organizations in Travis and Williamson counties that aim to help families facing serious issues such as homelessness, food insecurity and instability while keeping families together.

The approach: Peace Lutheran Church is in the process of developing a transitional housing facility for homeless families in far Northwest Austin. The $1.2 million project is expected to break ground in early 2026 and include four apartments, which can house a maximum of six families at a time until permanent housing is secured.

There is fun for the whole family with craft nights, a networking event, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and more

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change. 

Emo Bingo
Obsidian Brewery will host Emo Bingo for a night of prizes, beer and fun. Elder emos are encouraged to wear their best attire and embrace the nostalgia at the brewery. 

• Dec. 18, 7-9 p.m.
• Free (to play) 

A 36-mile trail project along the Capital Metro Red Line could transform neighborhoods across Austin, linking communities from Downtown to Leander. The Red Line Parkway Initiative, first envisioned over 20 years ago, is set to become the largest trail system north of Lady Bird Lake, connecting major trails in a unique way, said Tom Wald, executive director of the initiative.

The big picture: Following a transit-oriented development model, the trail will weave along Red Line rail stations, linking neighborhoods where daily needs are accessible without a car. Completed segments are already popular, with some seeing 1,500 users per day, according to Wald.

The project draws inspiration from Atlanta’s Beltline, which combined public and private funding to create a $10 billion economic hub supporting businesses, jobs and thousands of residential units.

The outlook: In Austin, the Red Line Parkway Initiative is now fundraising and planning public engagement to finalize trail routes and uses. Redeveloping industrial areas, like North Austin, are seen as prime locations for integrating transit and community amenities.

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Nov. 10-14.

1. Johnson Development planning 1,900-home community in Liberty Hill

2. Georgie’s restaurant in Georgetown serves up fresh seafood and cocktails

3. CI Foodie: Coffee, barbecue and more dining updates in Austin and nearby

4. Georgetown scraps Berry Creek Trail project due to resident feedback

5. Three Round Rock businesses slated for southwest corner of A.W. Grimes, E. Palm Valley boulevards

6. Proposed Skybox data center moves forward in Round Rock