After some opposition to a lack of public and private partnerships, College Station City Council approved its 2027-2032 parks and recreation master plan, which aims to align with the goals and vision of the community of preserving nature, on Oct. 22

The gist: Heiden said the adoption and presentation of the plan has been in the works since the spring and delivered the plan in parts throughout the summer. According to agenda material, the plan consists of six chapters.

What the council is saying: While council members received the presentation positively overall, council member David White said he was critical of the department’s lack of partnerships with private entities.

“I don’t feel like the city is engaging in that type of effort to grow our parks,” White said.

The takeaway: The council approved the master plan in a 6-1 vote, with only council member White opposing its adoption. College Station Mayor John Nichols said he applauded the plan and looks forward to seeing what the system will do with the opening of Texas Independence Park.

Bryan Texas Utilities is scheduled to start installing 50,000 new electric meters over a five-year period beginning on Nov. 2.

The overview: According to a news release, BTU will be replacing the units because many are near the end of service. BTU General Manager Doug Lyles said the equipment has served the community well, but the 2011 equipment will be replaced strategically.

“We’d much rather replace them on our own timeline, methodically and carefully, as opposed to addressing issues retroactively,” Lyles said.

BTU purchased the meters and bulk and is planning to roll out the installation of up to 9,000 new meters a year. Lyles said BTU made affordability and saving taxpayers a priority.

“Our focus will always be on accomplishing major projects responsibly, affordably and safely,” Lyles said.

What to expect: BTU said meters corresponding to the 15-year original installation will be installed annually. Customers can receive updates on the BTU website and via text message if opted in.

An $86 million project designed to house 55+ fans and former students of Texas A&M University has officially been registered in College Station.

The overview: The Varcity at Texas A&M will be located across the street from campus at Century Square and will offer stacked flats, townhomes and up to three-bedroom flats on 15 acres, according to its website. Along with a variety of amenities, residents can also access student services such as the George H.W. Bush Library and the recreation center.

Other incentives of the community include:

• Quiet gardens and pedestrian walking paths

• Pickleball courts

• A clubhouse with a gym, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and red-light therapy

• Daytime concierge services

Stay tuned: According to state filings, the 346,122-square-foot project is set to begin construction in February 2027 and the Varcity website states the community will open in late 2028. The Varcity at Texas A&M will be one of the first communities of its kind, along with Purdue University.

• Opening late 2028

• 288 Century Square Drive, College Station

College Station fitness studio Tone 360 celebrated 10 years in business this October after growing from a single studio into a full service gym offering classes from pilates and yoga to cycling and strength training.

The background: Founded on Oct. 10, 2016 by Texas A&M graduates Kaleigh Bowman and Nayokia Lyons, the women-owned local business has grown from a single studio into a full service gym serving roughly 700 clients.

The gym survived a month-long pandemic closure by moving classes online, supported by members who continued paying monthly fees.

What Tone 360 offers: Located at the Woodstone business center, Tone 360 offers childcare, a sauna and a variety of classes, including:

• Cardio jam

• Barrelates

• Pilates

• Yoga

• TRX and TNT training

• Strength training

• Cycling

The impact: As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Tone 360 raised more than $2,000 for Pink Alliance of Brazos Valley through a raffle featuring prizes donated by the fitness center and local businesses.