The City of San Marcos, Hays County and Texas State University-San Marcos successfully purchased approximately 251 acres adjacent to Aquarena Springs from the Nature Conservancy of Texas (NCT) to create a new city park and greenbelt. The $5.1 million buy-out was completed in July 2007 and led to the official opening of the park in August.

The acreage is planned as a nature park with hike and bike trails, bird watching and picnic areas within the heavily wooded hills overlooking San Marcos.

The region contains a wide variety of flora and fauna, acts as home to an array of animal life, and provides a significant recharge zone for the Edwards Aquifer.

Designed for use as a low-intensity recreation area, the tract is without such amenities as soccer fields or tennis courts.

Texas State, in tandem with the National Park Service, will develop a plan supporting longevity for the new park. University researchers will weigh the impact felt by local wildlife, vegetation and water flow, and plan around the ecosystem accordingly.

Sixteen acres of university property will serve as a section of the park and a gateway for the public. Upon opening, the new park can be accessed by following signs put in place near the River Systems Institute building at the intersection of Allen and West Laurel.

Currently, there are no public access points for the park until master planning for the property is completed and a trail system is developed.

251 acres adjacent to Aquarena Springs preserved as a city park



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