Recent rains have made Five Mile Dam more inviting for park visitors. (Photo by David White)
STAFF REPORT
Hays County has developed a new plan for its more than 4,300 acres of parks and open spaces that calls for more trails and river and creek access in the Kyle and Buda areas.
The county’s Parks, Open Spaces and Natural Areas Master Plan, more than a year in the making, is expected to guide the parks planning process in the unincorporated areas of Hays County for the next 10 years.
Among the priorities is a need for parks and public spaces that preserve water corridors and special areas that reflect the attributes of the Hill Country that initially attracted residents to the area. It also calls for Hays County to to seek collaborative ways for parks funding and development.
“Hays County is growing fast, and quality of life for the people who live here generally includes parks and recreation facilities,” county grants administrator Jeff Hauff said in a news release. “Through the planning process, our residents were able to tell us what they consider to be priorities in the county.”
What the people want
The plan — which can be viewed at www.co.hays.tx.us/parksmasterplan — identified Buda- and Kyle-area residents’ priorities for parks and open spaces.
Buda
1. River and creek access
2. Multi-use trails
3. Community gardens
4. Recreation center and sports complex
5. Shooting sports complex
Kyle
1. Multi-use trails
2. River and creek access
3. Camping
4. Recreation center and sports complex
5. Festivals and special event spaces
