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Bond Projects

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

The addition of a park in East Buda would help with equity with access to active park sites for local residents. The goal is to acquire approximately 70 acres of land that can be developed into sports fields or other active uses to respond to the constant demand for additional recreation space. An additional $8M is being provided by the City of Buda through their 2021 Buda Bonds program.

Urban Park

Buda Eastside Park Acquisition

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Buda

The purchase of approximately 70 acres will allow for the first-ever regional park in Buda East of I-35.

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.

Urban Park

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.

Phase II of Garlic Creek Trail will include the construction of a trail with pedestrian bridges within Garlic Creek Park that connect to the White Oak Preserve neighborhood.

Connectivity

Garlic Creek Trail

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Buda

The construction of a new trail within Garlic Creek Park would allow for connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods.

Improvements to the Kyle Sportsplex as identified in the interlocal agreement between Hays County and the City of Kyle, include picnic areas, a covered pavilion, outdoor public restrooms, an inclusive playground, sand volleyball courts, fitness/strength equipment, and parking areas. 

The Sportsplex currently sits on almost 70 acres of land in Plum Creek. In addition to funds committed by Hays County through the Parks and Open Space Bond, the City of Kyle has also committed matching funds through the 2020 voter-approved bond election.

Urban Park

Kyle Sportsplex Improvements

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Kyle

Improvements to the 70 acre Sportsplex include picnic areas, a covered pavilion, outdoor public restrooms, an inclusive playground, sand volleyball courts, fitness/strength equipment, and parking areas.

Cape’s Pond Park is situated near the San Marcos River just east of I-35 in San Marcos, Texas, and includes a 5.8-acre pond. Hays County acquired the land in 2020 through a 2018 transportation bond and the acquisition was originally intended to provide multi-modal connectivity throughout San Marcos, including the local trail systems. 

The project's scope expanded after Hays County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe and Hays County Attorney Mark Kennedy met with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) which operates a fish hatchery next to Capes Pond Park. The project was then revised to include TPWD’s ‘Neighborhood Fishin’ program which encourages families to engage in fishing by allowing children 16 and under to fish for free.

Today, the County is working to develop a Conceptual Park Plan (Plan) in collaboration with the San Marcos community. This collaboration enables Cape’s Pond Park to offer inclusive activities and amenities that reflect the desires and needs of the local community with a welcoming space to enjoy the natural landscape and water features.

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

Phase I of the Garison Park improvements include park and land restoration, addition of parking lots, construction of new amenities such as parking lots, pavilions and restrooms, and addition of walking trails and public access to Onion Creek. Garison Park is located just north of downtown Buda along Onion Creek. The City of Buda is allocating an additional $20.4M from their 2021 Buda Bonds program.

Urban Park

Garison Park

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Buda

Phase I of Garison Park includes park and land restoration and the addition of amenities such as parking lots, pavilions, and restrooms.

An interlocal agreement between Hays County and the City of Kyle for $10M has been approved to fund park and trail improvements throughout the City of Kyle. These projects include the Kyle Sportsplex, Plum Creek Trail Improvements, and Gregg-Clarke Park. Improvements to Gregg Clarke Park include the addition of an irrigation system, splash pad, and public skatepark. Hays Parks Bond funds will be utilized to make improvements to the current playground, lighting, and landscaping. The City of Kyle has also approved a $1M contract for the future skate park.

Urban Park

Gregg-Clarke Park Improvements

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Kyle

Improvements to Gregg-Clarke Park include the addition of an irrigation system, a splash pad, and a public skatepark.

The construction of a multi-use trail of approximately 7,700 feet is planned from Garison Road to Cole Springs Road. The trail is planned to run along Onion Creek just west of downtown Buda. The City of Buda is allocating $553,500 from their 2021 Buda Bonds program.

Connectivity

Onion Creek Trail

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Buda

The City of Buda is planning to develop a new trail along Onion Creek just west of downtown Buda.

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 has committed $200,000 to be used towards the expansion of recreation for all ages with ADA compliance in all locations. 

In addition to the Hays Parks Bond funding, the City of Woodcreek will is also contributing $67,500 to complete the project. 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

Urban Park

City of Woodcreek Parks

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Woodcreek

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

The additional land would expand the park for public access and allow for a direct trail pathway to connect to the adjacent Stagecoach Park trail system. Acquiring the land would return it to its native state resulting in protecting and preserving Onion Creek.

Open Space & Natural Area

Garison Parkland Expansion

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Buda

The purchase of additional land would expand the existing Garison Park to allow for public access and water quality protection of Onion Creek.

The Indigenous Cultures Institute 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”. Members of the Miakan-Garza Band still practice their traditional ceremonies and maintain long held family ties.

The Institute’s Board of Elders Chair, Dr. Mario Garza says, “Our Indigenous community has received $5 million towards successfully completing this historic $10 million project. The center is very important to the central Texas community and across the State of Texas.”

Garza is referring to the fact that most people in Texas who are labeled Hispanic have Indigenous ancestors who occupied this area when the Spaniards first arrived. The citizens who currently live in the San Marcos area that have been designated the Mexican American and Indigenous Heritage & Cultural District are primarily labeled Hispanic or Mexican American and their families were among the earliest settlers in Hays County. Most of these individuals have Indigenous ancestors and their stories would be among those preserved by the proposed center.

The Institute’s representatives have stated that they initially sought land that was close to the Sacred Springs at the 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 secure a site and develop a new facility to serve as a hub among a series of shared greenways, open park spaces and the protected waterways of the San Marcos River. ICI representatives stated a desire to be near the Great Springs Trails that will connect Barton Springs in Austin, Sacred Springs in San Marcos, Comal Springs in New Braunfels, and San Pedro Springs in San Antonio. The proximity to the springs and the trails would anchor the Indigenous Cultures Center to a historic land trail and a sacred water site.

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 goal of the Indigenous Cultures Center is to benefit the local communities and attract visitors from all over the country. The Center located in San Marcos will have multi-purpose facilities focused on education and active/passive outdoor recreation.

Patriots' Hall is a 10-acre retreat and resource base for all veterans and their families in the Hays County area to connect and find support. The facility includes a 7,100 sq. ft. Main Gathering Hall, which will provide therapeutic classes, vet-to-vet mentoring, educational and motivational workshops, and job networking. The property also includes an 800 sq. ft. Wellness Center which will assist veterans with VA claims, and a 1,200 sq. ft. Meeting House to host the local VFW and American Legion Posts.  

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 3, 2024, to celebrate the grand opening of the Gathering Hall and outdoor facilities. This event represents a major milestone for local veterans and their families and the Dripping Springs Community. 

With the ribbon officially cut, and doors open, the facility is now open for veterans and their families to enjoy.

Urban Park

Patriots’ Hall

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Dripping Springs

Hays County Commissioners approved $1.5M from the Parks and Open Space Bond to cover the mortgage payoff and various site improvements.

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