The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is used to guide City Council and staff in the strategic management and decision-making process relative to the provision and sustainability of parks and recreation facilities, programming, and services for the City.
The Cats Indoors Program is a campaign that encourages cat owners to keep their pets inside, where they are safe from outdoor dangers and can't harm local wildlife. This initiative is vital for protecting birds and other small animals, as outdoor cats are one of the biggest threats to their survival.
Now, we know what you're thinking: "But my cat loves going outside! How can I possibly keep them indoors all the time?" Trust us, we get it. As cat owners ourselves, we know how much our furry friends enjoy exploring the great outdoors. But the truth is, there are plenty of ways to keep your cat entertained and happy while indoors.
Invest in some fun cat toys, build them a cozy cat tree, or even create an indoor "adventure zone" for them to explore. Trust us, your cat will be just as happy inside as they are outside. Indoor-outdoor spaces like covered porches, patios or "catios" are also another great option for cats to get some fresh air in a controlled space.
Plus, by keeping your cat indoors, you're doing your part to protect our feathered friends. Did you know that outdoor cats kill approximately 2.4 billion birds each year in the U.S. alone? It's true - cat predation is the largest source of human-caused mortality to birds! By keeping your cat inside, you're helping to prevent unnecessary deaths and preserve the natural balance of our ecosystem.
So what are you waiting for? Join the Cats Indoors Program today and help us protect our birds! Your cat (and our feathered friends) will thank you for it.
For more information on Cats Indoors, visit the link below:
While Blue Hole Regional Park may be known for its magnificent swimming area, there is so much more to explore. One of the main attractions of the park are the trails, which provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise in the process. With varying degrees of difficulty and length, the trails cater to hikers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll or a more challenging hike, there's a trail at the park that's perfect for you. As you explore the trails, keep an eye out for the park's abundant wildlife. From deer and foxes to a variety of birds, there's always something to see on the trails at Blue Hole Regional Park. And with a stunning backdrop of the Texas Hill Country, every step you take is a breathtaking experience.
Within Blue Hole Regional Park, there are 5.5 miles of trails to choose from, with options for all types of hikers. And for those looking to venture further, two trails extend outside of the park. The Wimberley Hike and Bike Trail extends outside of the park limits for 2.2 miles one way, offering a unique opportunity to explore even more of the area. Another trail that extends outside the park is the Cypress Creek Nature Trail which extends 0.4 miles one way towards the downtown area of Wimberley.
To make the most of your hiking adventure, be sure to check out the park's brand-new trail map. This handy guide features trail locations along with accurate mileage, making it easy to plan your route and navigate the trails. A physical copy of the map is available at the park, or you can download the map to take along with you on your phone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and head to Blue Hole Regional Park for a day of outdoor adventure. With stunning trails and breathtaking scenery, this park is truly a hiker's paradise.
In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.
Benefits of Native Plants
Native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees do much more than add beauty to the landscape. They help:
Getting Started
The key to getting started is picking the right plants for your area. Texas has a total 10 ecoregions where you will find an array of different plants growing natively depending what area you are in. What does well in the Hill Country or Edwards Plateau will not necessarily do well in the High Plains or Blackland Prairies of Texas, so it is important to know what ecoregion you are planting and to plant accordingly. Unlike many non-native plants, native plants introduced into landscape plantings are hardy, less susceptible to pests and diseases and unlikely to escape and become invasive. With properly selected native plants, it may not be necessary to modify soil characteristics at all to have thriving gardens. The great variety of plants native to any region give gardeners options that work well in any type of garden design. Because maintaining native plants requires less work, they provide excellent choices for large commercial landscapes as well as residential gardens. The Audubon Society has a great guide as part of their Plants for Birds Program to help you plant according to your ecoregion. Follow this link - Plants for Birds and simply enter your email address and zip code to view a comprehensive list of natives in your area.
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How can you help?
For more in-depth information on native gardening, click this link from the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center - A Guide to Native Plant Gardening
Click here to read all about our recreation programs, special events, and more!
Since the 1920s Blue Hole has been a popular swimming destination. In just a few summer months each year over 60,000 people visit the swimming area alone. People of all ages and walks of life enjoy swimming in the cool clear waters under the towering cypress trees. Swinging from the rope swings and splashing into the bright blue water is a memory bound to bring joy to all. Relaxing on the soft grass and listening to distant laughter and wind through the nearby forest is sure to bring peace. The Blue Hole swimming area is a must-visit destination if you want to create endearing memories of the beautiful hill country!
The threat of high bacteria levels, other pollutants, and poor visibility conditions are unsafe for swimming. These threats are beyond our control and individuals making a reservation understand that the swimming area may be closed if these threats are present. We will monitor those conditions daily and update information on our website and social media pages.
Reservations are required for the swim area only. All other recreational areas including our hiking trails, playground, and picnic areas are free, open to the public, and do not require reservations. If you have a season pass, you do not need to make another reservation for a day pass.
The swimming area is an ecologically sensitive area. Please keep the following rules in mind before making a reservation.
Ice chests with picnic lunches, camp chairs, 12 by 12 feet or smaller pop-up shade tents, floats, and inner tubes are permitted in Blue Hole.
Day passes only:
It takes a highly motivated team to deliver a transformational experience for our Wimberley residents and visitors. If working outdoors brings a smile to your face and puts a skip in your step, a spot on the Parks & Recreation team awaits you! You will Join dedicated professionals who are passionate about maintaining our beautiful parks while engaging with park patrons of all ages, serving as an information resource, and enforcing policy when necessary.
We are currently hiring part-time employees for our busy spring and summer months. Positions include:
View the Current Open Positions with the City of Wimberley and apply today!
Oak wilt is an infectious vascular disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of oaks across Texas. An infection starts when sap-feeding beetles pick up spores from infected red oaks and carry them to fresh wounds on other oaks. Once an oak tree becomes infected, this disease spreads on average about 75 feet per year to adjacent oaks through root connections. All oaks can be infected with oak wilt, but some species of oak are more susceptible than others. Red oaks, particularly Spanish oak (Quercus buckleyi), are very susceptible to the fungus and once infected, often die within 4-6 weeks. White oaks, like post oak (Q. stellata) and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa), are resistant to the fungus and rarely die from the disease. Live oaks (Q. virginiana and Q. fusiformis) are intermediate in susceptibility to oak wilt.
The most common symptom on diseased live oaks is called veinal necrosis. Leaves often develop yellow veins that eventually turn brown and fall to the ground. Defoliation may be rapid, and dead leaves with brown veins often can be found under the tree for months after defoliation. Foliar symptoms of oak wilt on red oaks are less distinct. In early spring, young leaves simply wilt, turning pale green and brown, usually remaining attached for a period of time. Mature leaves develop dark green water soaking symptoms or turn pale green or bronze, starting at the leaf margins and progressing inward. This can begin on one branch and quickly engulf the entire tree.
There are multiple strategies that can be implemented to lessen the likelihood of your trees being infected, as well as stopping the spread of disease once you are seeing symptoms in Oak Trees. First, do not trim your oak trees during cool or mildly warm weather. The best periods for pruning are during the coldest days in winter and extended hot periods in mid to late summer, when the beetle that carries the fungus will be least prevalent. It is also best practice to paint any wound or cut made on an oak with tree sealant or paint. This will prevent the fungal mat from forming. Once infected, a common strategy is to stop the disease's spread through the roots. Measures can be taken to break root connections between live oaks or dense groups of red oaks to reduce or stop root transmission of the oak wilt fungus. The most common technique is to sever roots by trenching at least 4 feet deep with trenching machines, or rock saws. The trench should be placed a minimum of 100 feet beyond these symptomatic trees, even though there may be “healthy” trees at high risk of infection inside the trench. Trees that are infected can also sometimes be treated and saved by receiving fungicide injections from a licensed professional. Fungicide injection does not stop root transmission of the fungus; therefore, this treatment is used best in conjunction with trenching or to protect individual, high-value trees in situations where trenching is impractical.
Even after reading all of this information, identifying oak wilt in your trees is usually still very difficult to an untrained eye. Contacting an expert with the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAFS) to come out and evaluate your trees is a free and very valuable resource if you are seeing decline in your oak trees. The City of Wimberley has worked with them through the whole process of identifying the disease to coming up with a strategy to manage the issue at hand, and we are very grateful for the work they do. After walking our property and confirming the disease was present, TAFS drew a map of the infected area with an outline for where a roughly 1,500 ft trench would need to be dug. If successful, the trench will keep the disease on a small southern portion of the Blue Hole property, and prevent it from moving further in to the rest of the park. There are companies all over central Texas that specialize in trenching and tree injections. A link for those types of services can be found here: Oak Wilt Services
The City of Wimberley Parks Department recently planted 33, 1-gallon trees at Blue Hole Regional Park as part of our Plant Your Park events. Now, we are excited to announce that we are partnering with the wonderful nonprofit, TreeFolks to plant 612 more tree saplings at Blue Hole Regional Park! TreeFolks' Central Texas Floodplain Reforestation Program works to restore and diversify healthy forest buffers in floodplains, streamsides and riparian areas. Riparian forests improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and contribute to our overall well-being. Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 21, 2023 and arrive at Blue Hole Regional Park at 9:45 AM for coffee and sign-in. The event will run until 2 PM, and all materials needed for the planting will be provided. Tell your friends, because we need as many hands as we can get. We hope to see you there!
Address: 333 Blue Hole Lane Wimberley, TX 78676
1. 9:45 am - 10:15 am - Sign-in & Coffee
2. 10:15 am - 10:45 am - Welcome & Safety Speeches
3. 10:45 - 11:15 - Planting Demo
4. 11:15 am - 1:15 pm - Planting
5. 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm - Event Wrap up and Clean up
To sign-up as a volunteer or for more information please visit the links below ->
Volunteer sign-up: https://treefolks.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/volunteer-tree-planting-at-blue-hole-wimberley-1-21-23
More Info under 'Community Tree Planting at Blue Hole': https://www.treefolks.org/events/
This all-occasion facility in the heart of the Texas Hill Country features 4,000 square foot Johnson Hall, a commercial kitchen, small, intimate spaces for photos and dressing, a great location with plenty of parking, wireless internet throughout the facility, setup of tables and chairs for an additional fee, and studio meeting rooms equipped with coffee bars/sinks.
Access our Online Reservation System to reserve our community center facilities today!
The Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department offers facility rentals for all types of events, big and small. Plan your party in the park and allow your guests to enjoy the fresh air and delightful amenities that the Wimberley parks system has to offer. Kids can run around and enjoy the park during parties, and adults can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. All facilities are near restrooms. Tables and chairs are available for an additional fee. Anyone can rent a facility, but residents of Wimberley (proof of 78676 zip code required) get a discounted fee for all facility rentals. This is just another perk of living in this beautiful Hill Country city!
City of Wimberley Park hours are 8 a.m. to Sunset. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Looking to have a wedding in one of our parks? View our wedding package details and contact Park Operations Manager (Erica Flocke - eflocke@cityofwimberley.com) to make your reservation.
Reservations for facilities can be made online.
*The Blue Hole Swimming Area includes access to swimming during your reservation! Even during the scheduled off-season!
Adjacent to Wimberley Square at 109 Oak Drive, the complex has been named “Oak Park and Welcome Center” by City Council and is designed to be a landing space for visitors and locals. The City also recognized the completion of the downtown sewer at the event and the unveiling of a sculpture donated on behalf of the Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (WVACA).
The city’s downtown sewer system was fully implemented in 2021 and was a critical enabler in providing adequate restroom facilities throughout Wimberley Square and adjacent areas. Wimberley’s downtown wastewater project is now providing sewer services to approximately 100 properties in the downtown district. More than 90 percent of the eligible property owners are now connected.
“Access to a public sewer system provided opportunities for our downtown property owners, and also for the city to address the needs of both visitors and locals,” said Wimberley Mayor Gina Fulkerson. “The ideal property became available on Oak Drive and working together with local designers and contractors, were able to check all of the boxes.”
The project was designed by Wimberley-based architecture firm, OoA. Percheron Construction, also based in Wimberley, was awarded the construction contract in November 2021. It was funded by a combination of general obligation bonds, American Rescue Plan funds, and city reserve funds. The portion creating a covered directory of attractions and businesses was paid for with Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues, which is allowed under Texas law. Also making the project possible was a $50,000 donation from Sonora Bank.
“It’s been rewarding to be involved with a project that not only serves an immediate need in the community but that will continue to serve for years to come. We thank the City of Wimberley for allowing OoA to be part of this endeavor.” Neel Morton, AIA, OoA Project Architect.
The two restroom buildings contain a total of eight stalls – four women’s, two men’s, and one “family.” They are joined by a traditional Texas dog-run design element. Six ADA parking spaces are connected to Wimberley Square itself with compliant sidewalks. An additional 130-plus parking spaces make up this key addition to Wimberley’s downtown.
On the porch of the restroom building is a directory including a map of the district listing the names and locations of businesses, parks, and points of interest. The map also includes locations of Wimberley’s noted art boot “Bootiful” project, sponsored by WVACA.
The Bronze Boot Sculpture located in front of the Welcome Center building was donated to the City by WVACA, which is joining in hosting the celebration, through the generosity of WVACA's past president, Dr. Hilda V. Carpenter and her husband Steven J. Green. The 4-foot bronze boot called “Hill Country Soul” is a gift to the City of Wimberley from WVACA in appreciation of the town’s continuing support for the area’s diverse creative arts.
Oak Park, designed and maintained by Wimberley’s Parks & Recreation Department, is a community gathering space that features high-quality artificial turf and includes bistro-style seating and several outdoor games. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you can stroll this park, take a break, watch your kids play, or join in on the fun,” said Wimberley Parks & Recreation Director Richard Shaver. “This is what we envision for all of our parks.”
In addition to building signage, updated directional signage is being installed on Oak Drive and RR12 These signs will direct visitors to the parking lot to help ease traffic at the Square.
“Not only does Oak Park & Welcome Center create much safer access to our Square, it has the potential to alleviate traffic in the Square,” said Rebecca Minnick, Mayor Pro Tem of Wimberley. “We are all proud of the final product.”
Refreshments for the event were donated by the Wimberley Cafe, Creekhouse Kitchen & Bar and Middleton Brewing as well as Social on the Square and Mad Rooster’s.
Rose Gabriel and the Hill Country Honeys performed at the opening event and were sponsored by WVACA and Wimberley merchants Kamaway Market, Wimberley Whimsy, Cypress Creek Lavender Cottage and Social on the Square.
The site features metal landscape planters planted with drought-tolerant cactus sponsored by Kevin Fowler, Flying C Cattle, Molly & Micah Bowen, Friends of Wimberley Parks, Gina and Tom Fulkerson, Rebecca and Don Minnick, and Teresa Shell and Scott See. Additional planters are available for sponsorship by calling the City of Wimberley at 512-847-0025.
Blue Hole Regional Park announced today it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award winner for the second year in a row. The award celebrates destinations that have received excellent reviews from travelers around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, Blue Hole stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to tourists and Wimberley residents alike.
“Blue Hole is such a gem” said Richard Shaver, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Wimberley. “This year, we are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the historic Blue Hole becoming a public park and it is so great that this park is admired by so many people from around the world but especially by the people that we serve right here in Wimberley”.
“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travelers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it's using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you've taken to meet travelers' new demands. You've adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity."
To see traveler reviews and popular amenities of Blue Hole Regional Park, visit the Blue Hole listing on Tripadvisor and to find out more information about Blue Hole Regional Park including swimming reservations, 10-Year Anniversary celebrations, and more, visit the Wimberley Parks and Recreation website.
Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 988 million reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. As a travel guidance company available in 43 markets and 22 languages, Tripadvisor makes planning easy no matter the trip type.
Visit Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards to find out more about this important accolade for the City of Wimberley. Stay up to date on exciting events and reservation deadlines at Parks & Recreation Programs & Community Events. Volunteers are welcome and valuable partners in the success of the park. Find out how to volunteer at Want to Get Involved?. For more information about this gem in the Texas Hill Country and to plan your trip, visit Blue Hole Regional Park or visit in person at 100 Blue Hole Lane.
Parks Department installs a new park sign at Patsy Glenn Refuge and Old Baldy receives a new park sign and improved parking for easier access. Looking to visit these parks in Wimberley? Patsy Glenn Refuge is located at 14068 Ranch Rd 12 Wimberley, TX 78676 in the back of the Community Center parking lot and features hiking trails, a bird blind, and educational kiosks. Old Baldy Park is located at 33 La Toya Trai Wimberley, TX 78676, and features 218 steps to the top with 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country.
The Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department has some significant park projects in the works. Read all about our projects including the Blue Hole Nature Center, Wimberley Valley Trails Initiative, and more!
Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley earned the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2021 Award. Reviews from millions of travelers’ place the 126-acre park in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
The main attraction, Wimberley’s famous natural swimming area, the Blue Hole, has been featured in many publications, films, television series, and commercials. The cool, deep waters are part of a full complement of recreational amenities at the park including four miles of hiking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas all open and free to the public year-round.
“The opportunity to share this beautiful park with so many tourists who love and treasure it as much as we do is a privilege. We hear wonderful feedback from visitors who put us on their vacation calendar every year,” said Richard Shaver, Park Director.
A fan favorite is the Blue Hole Nature Camp, a 10-week day camp focused on environmental education. Registration opens Feb. 1, 2022.
“The nature camp sells out quickly, so we start sharing information with the community about how to register for it in January. The camp team makes every week new and exciting, which is why families look forward to enrolling their children every year,” said Shaver.
Blue Hole has an extended off-season from October through May to allow the creek to rest and the natural resource to recover from the busy summer months. Park management balances recreation with the City of Wimberley’s conservation efforts.
When swimming closes, the opportunities for adventure continue. Next on the Blue Hole holiday event calendar is the annual Polar Bear Plunge and 5K on Jan. 1. The Plunge and Boo! Hole Halloween draw thousands to the park.
Environmental education programs also attract visitors to the park during the off-season months including Owl Prowl, Birds and Brew, Tree Trek, and Fire Skills and Safety. The parks and recreation team also hosts a Concert in the Park series every Friday in April and a Movies in the Park program in May showing blockbusters like Jaws, Jurassic Park, and more down in the swim area.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by visitors as a Tripadvisor top 10% worldwide attraction. We know our Blue Hole is majestic and awe-inspiring. It’s great to know that it is just as inspiring to so many of our visitors. The parks and recreation team is passionate about caring and preserving the natural beauty of the Blue Hole Regional Park for generations to come,” said Gina Fulkerson, Mayor, City of Wimberley.
Visit Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards to find out more about this important accolade for the City of Wimberley. Stay up to date on exciting events and reservation deadlines at Parks & Recreation Programs & Community Events. Volunteers are welcome and valuable partners in the success of the park. Find out how to volunteer at Want to Get Involved?. For more information about this gem in the Texas Hill Country and to plan your trip, visit Blue Hole Regional Park or visit in person at 100 Blue Hole Lane.
With CivicRec, you'll be able to register your kiddos for our award-winning Blue Hole Nature Camp, reserve facilities for birthday parties or events, purchase season passes, and more! Access our system here to create an account or learn more about all the ways Wimberley Parks and Recreation is here to serve you.