Leander City Council will soon vote to submit an application to be recognized as an International Dark Sky Place by the nonprofit organization DarkSky International.

The details: An International Dark Sky Community is a legally organized entity that has shown dedication to preserving quality views of the night sky by reducing light pollution, according to Community Impact previous reporting.

The city already has ordinances aimed at restricting light pollution and keeping the night skies dark, said Michael Chenausky, senior planner with the Leander Development Services, in an interview with Community Impact. He said city staff hope that pursuing the Dark Sky Place designation will strengthen ongoing efforts to stop light pollution and preserve what he called an important element of Leander residents’ quality of life.

What’s next: Leander City Council members will officially vote to move the initiative forward during their Feb. 19 meeting. Chenausky said representatives from Dark Sky International outlined a timeline of about two years from the initial application to official recognition.

Liberty Hill ISD has rezoned some students to attend new campuses next school year.

What's happening: The LHISD board of trustees approved attendance zones for the 2026-27 school year at a Feb. 16 meeting. The rezoning comes as LHISD prepares to open four new campuses over the next two school years.

A closer look: Lariat Trails Elementary is slated to open in the Lariat neighborhood in North Liberty Hill in August. Students living in Sundance Estates, Northgate Ranch and Lariat neighborhoods will attend Lariat Trails as well as students living near CR 214 and CR 200, including the Clearwater Ranch and Sundance Ranch communities.

In August of 2027, Saddleback Elementary is scheduled to open in the Saddleback at Santa Rita Ranch community in East Liberty Hill. Saddleback Elementary will pull students from the Saddleback subdivision, Rancho Santa Fe community and homes near CR 258 and FM 3405.

Also of note: Students living east of US 183 but west of Ronald Reagan Boulevard will attend Legacy Ranch Middle School, which will open in August.

Apex Pickleball Clubs is now open in Cedar Park with 16 courts, certified coaches and a built-in restaurant and bar—PickleDilly’s. The new indoor sports facility held an open house Feb. 7-8 and officially opened to the public on Feb. 9, according to co-owner Nathan Parodi. Apex Pickleball Clubs and PickleDilly’s are owned by Bill Parodi, Shelia Parodi, Nathan Parod and Jim Sweeney.

What they offer: The pickleball club offers private and group lessons, leagues, clinics and a pro shop with paddles and balls, according to its website. They also have locker rooms and party rooms for birthday celebrations and events.

On the menu: Patrons can enjoy courtside dining at the facility's on-site restaurant PickleDilly’s, with burgers, salads, sandwiches, steak frites and more. The bar menu also features a soft pretzel, pickle platter, charcuterie board and marinated olives.

Major takeaways: The 49,000-square-foot complex offers single, couples and family memberships. However, visitors do not need to be members to make court reservations online, the website states.

• 501 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park