The City of Early Town Center Lake and Trails

The City of Early Town Center Lake and Trails project represents a foundational step in the development of the City’s first Town Center, providing a central destination for a growing community. For years, residents traveled to neighboring cities for recreation, shopping, and outdoor amenities. The City identified the need for a local gathering space that could support community life while encouraging economic growth.

To support this vision, the City acquired approximately 60 acres along Pecan Bayou and initiated development of a Town Center anchored by a lake and trail system. Volkert was selected as the program manager and prime design firm to develop plans, specifications, and estimates for a 10-acre lake and one mile of trails that would serve as the centerpiece of the site.

Prior to the project, the site included a small, unmaintained pond with limited functionality. The design team expanded this feature into a multi-purpose lake that supports recreation, stormwater management, and environmental sustainability. The lake was designed to reduce runoff to the adjacent bayou while providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and community events.

Volkert worked closely with the City of Early and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop a fish friendly habitat that supports multiple species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The final design incorporates varying depths, gravel bed shelves for breeding, and vegetation zones to support long term ecological balance.

The project also includes one mile of multi-use trails that connect the lake to the surrounding Town Center. These trails provide residents with accessible space for walking, running, and cycling, and were designed with consideration for both user experience and existing wildlife patterns. Access points and ADA compliant features, including fishing docks, allow a wide range of users to engage with the space.

A key component of the project was maintaining efficiency while working within a grant funded budget. The City secured funding through the Lower Colorado River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Volkert’s design approach emphasized cost control, constructability, and long-term value. The project was completed within the original construction budget.

Volkert implemented a digital first design process to support collaboration with the City, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies. Using integrated modeling tools, the team was able to adapt designs in real time, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and optimize both site layout and environmental performance. This approach improved coordination and reduced design effort while maintaining project momentum.

Since opening in May 2025, the Town Center Lake and Trails have become an active part of the community. The site has already hosted fishing events, recreational activities, and continues to support the City’s broader vision for future development within the Town Center.

Today, the project serves as both a recreational amenity and a catalyst for continued growth. By transforming an underutilized site into a functional and accessible public space, the City of Early has established a foundation for long term community development while enhancing quality of life for its residents.

The project has been recognized for its innovation and community impact, earning a Gold Medal from the 2026 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Awards and a National Recognition Award from the 2026 ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards.