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Bond Projects

The following projects have been granted funding through the 2020 Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond.

Hays County has allocated $3M in bond funding to support the development of this center. The Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department is leading the planning and development of the Nature Center. As the project progresses, public input meetings will be held to gather community feedback and ideas.

Urban Park

Blue Hole Nature Center

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Wimberley

The center is designed to connect individuals of all ages with the rich biodiversity of the region, fostering a deeper appreciation for ecological preservation and sustainable recreation.

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Hays County and the City of Woodcreek entered into a funding agreement on November 11, 2022, for improvements and new additions to outdoor recreation opportunities. Hays County committed $200K from the Hays Parks Bond and the City of Woodcreek contributed $67K. The improvements were completed in April 2024. The improvements include: • Creating a new park with play structures (Brookhollow Park) • Adding a gazebo to the town center • Installing educational signage, a nature viewing platform, and outdoor games in the existing Augusta Park

Completed

City of Woodcreek Parks

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Woodcreek

Improvements to existing Augusta Park and development of a new park with play structures.

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The City of Buda is allocating an additional $20.4M from their 2021 Buda Bonds program. Phase 1 of the Garison Park Project improvements include land restoration, new parking lots, pavilions, restrooms, walking trails, and improved public access to Onion Creek With funds from the 2020 Parks Bond, the City of Buda recently acquired 4.5 additional acres to expand the park’s 40-acre footprint, ensuring continuous creekside access from Garison Road to Stagecoach Park. Design development is underway and is expected to be finalized in early 2025. Pending necessary permits, construction could begin as early as Fall 2025.

Open Space & Natural Area

Garison Park & Parkland Expansion

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Buda

The 2020 Hays Parks Bond allocated $900K for the expansion of Garison Park. An additional $6M was allocated for the development of park improvements.

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The Indigenous Cultures Institute (ICI) was founded in 2006 by members of the Miakan-Garza Band, one of the over six-hundred bands that resided in Texas and northeastern Mexico. The Coahuiltecans have consistently occupied this area for over 12,000 years. ICI works to preserve the cultures of the Native Americans indigenous to Texas and northern Mexico while maintaining its covenant with sacred sites. The 83rd Legislature recognized the Miakan-Garza Band as a Texas Indian tribe with “immeasurable contributions to the State of Texas.” The Institute’s Board of Elders, Dr. Mario Garza says, “Our Indigenous community has received $5 million toward successfully completing this historic $10 million project. The center is vital not only to the Central Texas community but also to the entire state.” To support its design, Hays County Commissioners have contributed $250,000 of the Park Bond Funds. Among the architectural design team is Chris T. Cornelius, a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His work focuses on creating architecture and artifacts that reflect contemporary Indigenous culture while actively challenging stereotypes associated with Indigenous design. The design team is currently in the conceptual design phase. The next phase is preliminary design, where they will define design specifics. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be completed by summer 2027. The Institute’s representatives have stated that they initially sought land that was close to the Sacred Springs headwaters of the San Marcos River and received support from the City of San Marcos and Texas State University which has identified land near the Meadows Center where ICI has held its annual Sacred Springs Powwow. The Institute will establish a new facility as a hub among shared greenways, parks, and protected waterways of the San Marcos River. ICI aims to be near the Great Springs Trails, linking Barton Springs, Sacred Springs, Comal Springs, and San Pedro Springs, anchoring the Indigenous Cultures Center to historic trails and sacred waters. The goal of the Indigenous Cultures Center is to benefit the local communities and attract visitors from all over the country. The Center will have multi-purpose facilities focused on education and active/passive outdoor recreation. Learn more about the Indigenous Cultures Institute and programs: indigenouscultures.org

Connectivity

Indigenous Cultures Center

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San Marcos

The Indigenous Cultures Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the past and present culture of Texas’s Native American groups, collectively known as Coahuiltecans. Located near the Sacred Springs headwaters of the San Marcos River, the Center will have multi-purpose facilities focused on education, community gathering, and active/passive outdoor recreation.

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In June 2024, the City of Buda, in partnership with Hays County, acquired 30 acres east of I-35 for the future Eastside Regional Park. The land is located off Hillside Terrace near the Green Meadows subdivision. Funding for the land purchase included $2M from the Hays County 2020 Parks Bond and an additional $8M from the City of Buda’s 2021 Bonds Program. This new parkland will expand recreational opportunities in East Buda and promote equitable park access across the city. Future public engagement and outreach opportunities are anticipated to determine how the city can best use the land.

Completed

Buda Eastside Park Acquisition

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Buda

 The purchase of approximately 30 acres will allow for the first-ever regional park in Buda east of I-35.

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On June 7, 2022, Hays County entered into an agreement with the City of Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs Community Foundation (DSCF), and DS Skatepark, Inc. for the development of the first-ever skatepark in Dripping Springs. DS Skatepark, Inc. started the vision of a skatepark nearly three years ago and has since garnered support through community donations. The skatepark was renamed in honor of Dorian “Zev” Kweller, a local skater and musician who was killed in an automobile accident in 2023. The 12,000-square-foot skatepark, located on 1.5 acres at the north end of Founders Memorial Park, is designed to be a welcoming and community-centered space for the Dripping Springs skating community. As part of the agreement, Hays County allocated $624,250 from the voter-approved 2020 Hays County Parks Bond funds to support the project. On July 27, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of the Dorian Zev Kweller Memorial Skatepark at Founders Memorial Park. This event represents an important milestone for local skaters, the Kweller family, and the Dripping Springs community. With the ceremonial green ribbon cut, the park is now open for community members and skateboarders of all ages and skill levels in central Texas to skate and showcase their latest tricks.

Completed

Dorian Zev Kweller Memorial Skatepark

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Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs' first-ever skatepark is located at the north end of Founders Memorial Park.

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Garlic Creek Trail in Buda is undergoing a Phase II extension within Garlic Creek Park, a 40-acre space south of RM 967. The project includes a natural pedestrian trail with bridges connecting to the White Oak Preserve neighborhood. Originally part of the 2014 Buda Bond election, the trail’s construction began in December 2024 and is expected to be completed by May 2025. Additional funding includes $445K from the 2021 Buda Bond, along with contributions from the 2014 Buda Bond and the Hays County 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond.

Connectivity

Garlic Creek Trail

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Buda

Hays County has allocated $400K from the 2020 Bond for the construction of the new Garlic Creek Trail located south of RM 967 near Garlic Creek Park.

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The Hays County Commissioners Court allocated $2.28M of the 2020 Parks Bond for the John Knox Ranch Preserve. The conservation easement, which was finalized in February 2025, successfully preserved 255 acres of 300 total acres at John Knox Ranch. John Knox Ranch is a serene retreat in the Texas Hill Country, offering nearly 300 acres of preserved natural landscape along the Blanco River and Carpers Creek. Operated by Mission Presbytery, the ranch serves as a summer camp, retreat center, and outdoor education space, welcoming people of all ages to connect with nature. With its rich biodiversity, including old-growth forests and critical wildlife habitats, John Knox Ranch is dedicated to conservation, spiritual renewal, and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. To learn more, visit johnknoxranch.org.

Completed

John Knox Ranch

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Wimberley

John Knox Ranch, a 300-acre camp and retreat center, secured a conservation easement in February 2025 in partnership with Hays County, further protecting the Ranch’s vital water and wildlife resources.

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Cape’s Pond Park is located near the San Marcos River, just east of I-35 in San Marcos, Texas. The park features a 5.8-acre pond. Hays County acquired the land in 2020 using funds from a 2018 transportation bond, while the development of a Conceptual Park Plan was supported with $2.3M from the 2020 Hays Parks Bond. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) operates a fish hatchery next to Capes Pond Park. After discussions with Hays County Commissioner, Debbie Ingalsbe, the pond will be included in TPWD’s Community Fishing Lake program. This program includes special regulations and is frequently stocked by TPWD with channel catfish, rainbow trout or other species to offer quality fishing opportunities close to home. Throughout 2024, Hays County engaged the community in developing a Conceptual Park Plan for Cape’s Pond Park. The process began with an open house in May to gather input on preferred amenities and park elements. Based on this feedback, the project team created two potential design plans and presented them for further input at a second open house in September. The final Conceptual Park Plan was approved by Hays County in early 2025. Additional funding will be needed for the design and construction of Cape’s Pond Park.

Open Space & Natural Area

Cape's Pond Park

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San Marcos

A 28.7-acre parcel ready to be transformed into a community oasis that enhances regional recreation and connectivity opportunities while preserving the natural environment.

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This initiative is a collaborative effort between Hays County, the City of Dripping Springs, the Dripping Springs Library, and Dripping Springs Independent School District.

Urban Park

Dripping Springs Town Center

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Dripping Springs

Hays County has allocated $4.5M from the 2020 Bond for the development of a Town Center Square and Pavilion, designed to create a central public space for downtown Dripping Springs.

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The Hays Parks Bond allocated $1M for upgrades to the playground, lighting, and landscaping. In May 2024, the City of Kyle, local community members, and Hays County celebrated the grand opening of the Splash Pad. The City of Kyle also approved a $1M contract for the future skatepark. After reviewing three design concepts in early 2024, the City Council selected SPA Skateparks to design an all-wheels facility featuring a pump track, a flow bowl, and a skate plaza. The pump track will accommodate various skill levels and wheel types, including skateboards, scooters, bicycles, and wheelchairs. Its surface may consist of soft material, concrete, or asphalt, ensuring accessibility for all users. The design for the skatepark is underway and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.

Urban Park

Gregg-Clarke Park Improvements

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Kyle

Improvements to Gregg Clarke Park include a new irrigation system, splash pad, and future public skatepark.

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The Karst Canyon Preserve, previously known as Coleman's Canyon and Dry Cypress Creek, is a protected natural area located in Hays County. This preserve is essential for conserving the region’s unique karst landscapes and safeguarding the aquifer recharge zones that are vital for maintaining the flow of Jacob's Well and Cypress Creek. Hays County allocated $4.27M from the 2020 Parks Bond to purchase the land, which was completed in early 2025 and more than doubled the size of Jacob’s Well Natural Area. Through these conservation initiatives, the Karst Canyon Preserve ensures the protection of critical recharge zones, preserves habitats for endangered species including Mexican freetail bats and golden-cheeked warblers, and enhances recreational opportunities for the community.

Completed

Karst Canyon Preserve

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Wimberley

Karst Canyon Preserve, formerly known as Coleman's Canyon and Dry Cypress Creek, is a protected natural area in Wimberley. This preserve plays a crucial role in conserving the region’s karst landscapes and aquifer recharge zones. Hays County purchased it in early 2025.

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© 2023 by Hays County Parks Bond

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