As Round Rock continues to grow, one local business is working to preserve the sense of connection that once defined the city’s small-town charm.

Nearly a year after opening, Purely Provisions has become more than a coffee shop or cocktail spot. It’s a gathering place where neighbors can linger over brunch, catch a game on the patio or strike up a conversation with someone new.

The backstory: Kyle Walker and Angie Zuniga partnered up with Cory and Lisa Shaw to create Purely Provisions with a clear vision in mind.

“I think Purely was built upon community,” Zuniga said. “That was Cory and Lisa’s vision. They saw Round Rock as such a community place where you could show up and hang out with your friends, or show up by yourself and make a friend.”

Zuniga said the goal was to create a space for people to gather as cities like Round Rock grow and lose their small town feel.

Some Round Rock parks projects will move forward, with city officials approving contracts for them in May. 

The details: City officials approved the first phase of a 3D and static archery range in a future city park, as well as a furniture purchase for the future Athletic Performance Center. 

About the projects: The archery project's scope includes constructing a gravel parking lot, grading associated with the archery lanes, and an accessible parking space and accessible route to both the static and 3D archery lanes. Construction on the Athletic Performance Center, part of the park’s recreation center complex, began in summer 2025 and is anticipated to be finished in spring 2027, city documents show. The facility is planned to include an indoor gym, an outdoor track and multipurpose fields, along with additional parking and administrative space for the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Austin healthcare landscape is shifting to increase specialized care for pediatric patients as community needs grow.

Previously, children and families had to travel outside of the region to seek treatment in the '80s and '90s, said Deb Brown, chief operating officer at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Similarly, patients within the Texas Children’s Hospital network had to travel to Houston before its North Austin campus opened in 2024.

Now, leaders at Austin’s pediatric medical facilities are sharing the importance and unique aspects of pediatric care.

What’s different? Facilities specializing in pediatric medical care are intentionally designed to help ease patient anxiety and provide specialized training for medical professionals, said Dr. Edward Buchanan, chief medical officer of Texas Children’s Austin Campus.

Peter Sandford, owner of Smarter Homes, brings decades of experience in Austin to the home technology industry. The West Lake Hills business was established in 2006, offering expertise on home automation systems to locals. 

In a nutshell: Sandford specializes in designing systems for lighting, motorized shades, security and more, with a focus on reliability, longevity and easy-usage, he said.

Zooming in: One of his areas of interest is smart irrigation systems, which use connected controllers, sensors and live data to automate watering schedules. The system takes into account environmental factors, including weather, soil moisture and temperature to adjust watering needs. 

“When integrated into a smart home, irrigation becomes dynamic, improving efficiency and reducing water waste,” Sandford said.

Sandford connected with Community Impact to talk about the home automation process and further details for implementing smart irrigation systems. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area May 18-21. 

1. The Pulao Company set to open this summer in Leander

2. City moving toward 2.6K-acre annexation to support decades of mixed-use development in East Austin

3. $250M Amazon warehouse, distribution center near CR 172 in Round Rock now operational

4. H-E-B plus! expansion, new fitness gym and more Kyle business news this spring

5. Berry Creek Drive in Georgetown closed due to storm damage

6. Pflugerville ISD teachers, nurses, psychologists to see pay bump in 2026-27