The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider $237,125 in local park grant funding for a proposed par-3 golf course in Bastrop on Jan. 22. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff are recommending that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission deny the city of Bastrop’s application, according to the Jan. 22 meeting agenda. 

The details: The par-3 golf course on a 15-acre site in Bastrop—which would be open to the general public—is among the several Capital Improvement Project requests listed in the city’s proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget book.

It would be built on city-owned property near Farm Street and Hwy. 95. 

Though 2026 is just getting started, millions of dollars in construction projects are already underway across Bastrop. From an expansion at Bastrop High School to a $20 million parking garage tied to SpaceX and the Boring Company, several large developments are shaping the city’s future.
The details: A new amenity center for Del Webb’s active adult community, a long-needed Bastrop County Development Services building and the rehabilitation of the Old Iron Bridge are also moving forward.

While some individuals are interested in working on personal goals and mental health in a traditional talk therapy environment, there are additional options for those looking for a different way to work on intrapersonal goals. This list is not comprehensive.

Community Art Therapy
Type of therapies offered: Art therapy, trauma-informed therapy, somatic and expressive arts approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, play-based interventions and art therapy process groups
11402 Joy St., Austin; 12741 Research Blvd., Ste. 402, Austin; 8700 Menchaca Road, Ste. 202, Austin

Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center
Type of therapy offered: adaptive horseback riding, horse powered reading, H.A.P.Y. (“Hug A Pony”) mobile program, bringing mini horses to autism, memory care and hospice centers
5300 CR 279, Leander

Sound for Stress
Type of therapy offered: sound healing experiences
Classes vary in locations across Round Rock and Austin

Locally owned and operated bookstore BookPeople celebrated its 55th anniversary on Nov. 11.

The specifics: The independent bookstore has spent decades making sure Austin's readers have a one-stop shop for books ranging from nonfiction and fiction to children's literature and more.

In addition to books, the space features gifts, planners, calendars, puzzles, socks, games and trinkets. The space also hosts a diverse array of events, including storytimes, book clubs and book signings.
 

• 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin