The Wimberley Valley looks forward to 2023

It’s another year in the Wimberley Valley, and community leaders across the area are looking forward to 2023 — both personally and professionally.

With Hays County one of the fastest growing counties nationwide, the region has seen significant growth and development in recent years. This year, that is unlikely to change, with both Wimberley and nearby Woodcreek making a number of improvements to public parks and spaces.

“Thanks to Hays County and POSAC, we’ll have nearly $270,000 to improve city parks in Woodcreek,” Woodcreek Mayor Jeff Rasco said. “Our resolution is to create spaces our citizens and families can enjoy for many years to come, including a great playscape for the many young people who now call Woodcreek home.

“We also resolve to roll up our sleeves and take care of the #1 issue on the minds of our citizens — fixing our roads!” he added. “Between monies already allocated from our reserve funds and the $3.5 million bond package passed in November, we’re ready to start getting our streets in great shape.”

While Rasco is focused on the Woodcreek community, Becca Hancock — executive director of the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce — is focused on businesses throughout the entire valley.

“Professionally, I’d like to see the chamber membership not only increase but also provide more opportunities for its members to participate,” she said. “Personally, I enjoy reading and I’d like to find the time to read a little more. My husband and I enjoy cooking a great deal. Over the last year — with our hectic schedules — we’ve gotten away from trying new, healthy recipes. I’d like for us to ease back into the kitchen more and pick up where we left off.”

With such large scopes, it can be difficult for city and community leaders to give each responsibility its proper due. That’s why, for many, the new year is about a renewed effort to find the balance.

“My 2023 resolutions [can be summed up as finding] a better balance of time dedicated to family relationships and friendships, healthy habits, recreation and free time and work and community service,” Wimberley Mayor Gina Fulkerson said.

“Personally, my resolution is that I’d like to keep bringing people together around common goals and get away from the politics,” Rasco added. “Let’s gather at the table, work out any differences, and create a bright future for Woodcreek and the Valley. Oh yeah, and I want to exercise regularly and lose 20 pounds!”