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Bond Projects

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

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 the $7M funds committed by Hays County through the 2020 Parks and Open Space Bond, the City of Kyle has also committed matching funds through the 2020 voter-approved bond election. The County is currently working with Stantec to develop potential design concepts.

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.

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The allocated funding for the improvements is $1.6M.

Connectivity

Old Fitzhugh Road Multi-Use Trail

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Dripping Springs

The enhancement of Old Fitzhugh Road involves realigning the roadway to create space for a shared-use path, along with essential improvements to drainage and landscaping.

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Hays County and the City of Kyle have entered into an interlocal agreement allocating $10M for improvements to the Plum Creek Trail, which includes $2M from the Parks Bond Funds. This project involved enhancing approximately a four-mile segment of the trail, extending from the east I-35 frontage road to the Cool Springs Nature Park. The trail segment passes through several parks, two disc golf courses, a dog park, and several playground areas. This segment of the trail specifically assists residents living on the east side of the County to access services in the city center. In addition to the Parks Bond funds committed by Hays County, the City of Kyle has also committed to matching funds for the Plum Creek Trail Improvements. Kyle City Council approved a design contract in early 2025 and initial design work is currently underway. The design is expected to be completed and put out for construction bids in fall 2025.

Connectivity

Plum Creek Trail Improvements

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Kyle

Improvements to the trail are located in a four-mile section from the I-35 frontage road to the Cool Springs Nature Park. Improvements include a restroom, shared-use-path, neighborhood connections, and interpretive signage.

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The conservation easement aims to protect the unique ecosystem of Roy Creek Canyon, which features towering trees, live oaks, sycamores, century-old cypress trees, and a spring-fed creek with clear waterfalls. This initiative demonstrates the county's commitment to preserving natural landscapes despite ongoing development pressures in the region.

Open Space & Natural Area

Roy Creek Canyon Preserve

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Texas Hill Country

The Roy Creek Canyon Preserve has been allocated $1M to establish a conservation easement, ensuring that the land remains undeveloped and its natural state is preserved.

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In September 2023, the 102-acre tract known as the Elsik Tract was successfully conserved through a $2.5M purchase funded by the Parks Bond. This tract serves as an important greenspace corridor, linking the Ringtail Ridge Natural Area with the River Recharge Natural Area, both of which are owned by the City of San Marcos.

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Limestone Link Trail (SMRF)

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San Marcos

The acquisition of recharge lands is essential for conserving and protecting vital recharge areas that directly impact the health and sustainability of the San Marcos River and its associated springs.

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The City of Buda is constructing a 7,700-foot multi-use trail along Onion Creek. Construction of the new trail began in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by May 2025. Funding includes $553K from a city bond and $550K from the Hays County 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond.

Open Space & Natural Area

Onion Creek Trail

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Buda

Hays County has allocated $550K from the 2020 Bond for the construction of the Onion Creek Trail, running along Onion Creek near the Buda Amphitheater and City Park.

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Hays County Commissioners approved just over $2M from the Parks and Open Space Bond for this conservation easement in September 2022. This 845-acre property is located in San Marcos within the Sink Creek watershed. It is heavily forested, with significant karst features and is home to the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler. By conserving this land, it helps protect water quality and quantity inflows into the Edwards Aquifer and San Marcos Springs. Future proposed plans include a public trail that would provide potential connectivity between Emerald Crown Trail and Violet Crown Trail.

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Presa Grande

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San Marcos

Hays County Commissioners approved the purchase of a conservation easement for this 845-acre property located in San Marcos within the Sink Creek watershed.

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The Hays County Commissioners awarded $600K of Parks Bond Funds to the City of San Marcos for the purchase of approximately 170 acres for the development of a new park in San Marcos. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contributed $6M in funds for this project. The purchase of this property, located off HW 21, would allow for the potential relocation of pickleball courts and a swimming pool, while also providing open space for flood mitigation, conservation efforts, and passive recreation. The project goals are to provide ample open space in the park, offering a range of recreational experiences that service all community members, and provide connectivity to other parks and open spaces in the area.

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San Marcos Eastside Park Acquisition

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San Marcos

The 170-acre property, purchased in October 2022, was acquired for the future development of the Eastside Regional Park.

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The North Hays Optimist (NHO) is a youth sports organization, specifically a Pop Warner League, in Hays County, serving kids ages 3-15 with football, baseball, softball, and cheer programs. NHO is the only Pop Warner League in Hays County and aims to make a positive impact on the youth in their community by providing opportunities for sports and development.

Urban Park

NHO Youth Sportsplex

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Kyle

The project received a $2M commitment from the Parks Bond to enhance recreational opportunities for youth sports programs and improve facility restoration.

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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.

Completed

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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Rathgeber Natural Resource Park is a 300-acre land donation from Dick Rathgeber and Rathgeber Investment Company. Located near the Headwaters Subdivision, the park will protect critical Hill Country ecosystems at the confluence of Barton Creek and Little Barton Creek. It will also provide future public access for nature exploration, passive recreation, and stargazing. Currently, the City of Dripping Springs is developing a master plan in collaboration with stakeholders and the community. The park’s planning and development process is expected to take 2 to 4 years to complete. Hays County has allocated $3.55M from the 2020 Bond for future improvements.

Open Space & Natural Area

Rathgeber Natural Resources Park

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Dripping Springs

Improvements to Rathgeber Natural Resources Park will be made with a focus on preserving the existing landscape.

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Hays County purchased Sentinel Peak Preserve in May 2022. This 530-plus acre property located just west of Wimberley will serve as a Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat preserve, a federally listed endangered species that is included in the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. It will also feature a riverfront park along an approximate one-mile stretch of a pristine segment of the Blanco River. This riverfront park will include low-impact swimming recreation and other family-friendly activities to ensure the conservation and environmental protection priorities of the preserve. In 2019, Hays County approved a partnership with The Nature Conservancy to acquire the Sentinel Peak Preserve, which will continue to hold the conservation easement on the land. As the park plan is implemented, the County will provide for reservation-based, low-impact public access along the river and trails. This project will also preserve the condition of water quality and quantity for the Blanco River, San Marcos Springs and River, and the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers. Hays County Commissioners approved $6M for the easement, and an additional contribution of $7M from the 2016 Hays County Transportation Bond. Furthermore, the Commissioners Court approved $3.25M to fund park improvements. The design and construction planning for improvements are currently in progress.

Open Space & Natural Area

Sentinel Peak Preserve

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Wimberley

This 530-plus acre preserve will serve as protected Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat and features public access along an approximate one-mile stretch of the Blanco River.

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© 2023 by Hays County Parks Bond

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