Meet Wimberley’s new Parks Director

The Parks Department has always had huge tasks on their hands. Keeping and maintaining the Cypress Creek natural through the city, from Blue Hole, down to the Cypress Creek Nature Trail. The city also has parks at Mount Baldy and the rest area at the top of the hill on Ranch Road 12.

Having someone at the top who is enthusiastic and passionate about Wimberley’s natural resources and the City of Wimberley is essential. Kelly Schmidt, originally form Tampa, Florida, has been hired as the new Parks Director for the city replacing Rebecca Manning, who recently was hired on with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“I attended Colorado State and received my BS in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism, “ Schmidt said. “I was also an exchange student in Scotland and served as a student ranger at Hermitage of Braid for Edinburg, Scotland.” She received her MS in Recreational Administration from Texas State.

Due to her husband’s job with REI, the camping equipment business, they moved around the country. This is something that fit in with Kelly’s interests, the outdoors. She has had park’s management experience everywhere from being the first parks director for both Dripping Springs and Bee Caves. When Doug was transferred to Seattle, Vashon Island became the place for Kelly.

With two children, Doug got a job with Yeti, and Dripping Springs and Central Texas was back in the picture. Raising the children in a good environment became essential. “I live in Dripping Springs. It’s a preferable city (compared to some place she’s lived) whose mission meets my own personal values…a place to come back to where we can live and raise our kids.” As for her new job? “I’m happy to be here, in Wimberley specifically. It’s got a lot of character.”

Following Rebecca Manning as Parks Director was a hard act to follow, but Manning has been helpful in making the transition. Manning was also on the committee that selected Kelly. Getting the job, Wimberley’s greeting has been a very warm welcome.

“I was amazingly greeted by the city council. My family and I, we were in the parade on the 4th. It will be hard to follow Rebecca. She is amazing and has made herself available to me too.”

Working with the city council, community members and Friends of the Blue Hole will also be a skill to be learned. But her enthusiasm, experience and nohow will be put to good use.

Some of her goals are to make sure all the parks meet up to national and state standards, and expand the online registration for the parks. “It’s a great thing that’s already in place. My predecessors were spot on.”

She also has another goal. “The number one priority is to give love and attention to the other parks (other than Blue Hole). I want residents to know all their assets, more of an outreach to the community.”

The parks are in good hands, with someone who can help the city keep their residents informed about all their parks and recreational areas.