Supporting the Hays County Parks Bond Prop A

For many reasons, the upcoming election will be one of the most important of this new century. On Tuesday November 3 residents of Hays County will be presented with the chance to provide permanent protection for a large chunk of some of the most beautiful and beloved landscape in the Hill Country.

Voters are being asked by the leadership of Hays County to approve a $75 Million bond issue which will enable critical land acquisition and development for parks and open space throughout the County. The County’s financial advisors have declared that approval of the bond issue will NOT require additional taxes for our citizens.

Protecting our most treasured natural resources has never been more critical as Hays County is now one of the fastest growing counties in the United States and this rapid development, while bringing economic prosperity, threatens some of the most unique and iconic rivers, springs and countryside in the nation.

We must act now as this exciting bond issue will give us the opportunity to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty that we love so much today and that our youth have places to participate in a variety of outdoor activities.

These critical bonds will help protect vital watersheds, recharge areas and river corridors thus helping to ensure adequate water supplies and flood mitigation for continued economic growth and for the environment.

For these reasons and so many more, we are privileged to support an unprecedented opportunity to preserve the best of Hays County and we urge passage of this critical bond package in November.

Scott E. Way, Chair, Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission

Andrew Sansom, Founder, The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Texas State University

As a sixth generation Texan and longtime Hays County resident, I’m concerned with the legacy that we leave for those who follow us. The Parks & Open Space Bond on the November ballot is an exceptional opportunity for Hays County citizens to protect our heritage, natural resources and water in the Hill Country for years to come.

We can create a gift to our children and future generations by voting yes on Proposition A this November. By doing this, we will be responsibly investing in new parks and trails along with the conservation of watersheds and open spaces throughout Hays County.

The Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Commission recommended this plan and Hays County Commissioners Court approved the $75 million bond issue to submit for voter approval. The funds will provide for 15 different green spaces, urban parks, and connectivity projects throughout Hays County over the next decade. Hays County Commissioners have assured residents that they will responsibly manage the funding and timing of projects and seek additional grants and funding for these efforts. We have a proven track record as Hays County voters overwhelming passed the 2007 bond issue dedicated to parks and open spaces that provided many new parks, recreation sites and conservation areas.

Importantly, because of the exponential growth in Hays County, this bond isn’t expected to raise our tax rates. As the population grows and open spaces disappear, now is the time to invest in creating more parks and open spaces. It’s better to fund this today, rather than wait until we desperately wish we had done it five or even ten years down the line. Do yourself a favor, but more importantly do a favor for the next generation - vote yes on Proposition A.

Patrick Cox, Ph.D.

Water and recreational opportunities are of great value in Hays County. Proposition A, Our Parks and Open Space Bond, is a chance on election day to look back without regret years from now, knowing we seized this opportunity for the future of our land and water.

We will recover from current challenges, but our opportunity cannot wait to preserve this iconic landscape, to protect our water, and to create parks, trails, and activity centers that are needed across the county. Development and escalating land values mean we have to act now.

The last parks bond in Hays County was 2007. That $30 million was multiplied by matching grants and funds, so that the impact we enjoy is even greater than promised: Jacob’s Well Natural Area, Dahlstrom Ranch, Blue Hole Regional Park, Five Mile Dam Park, and over twenty public parks, sports complexes, and trails.

Then, as with a proposed $75 million now, the County will issue bonds over a decade, conscientiously, without raising our tax rate, as population and valuations grow. If the land and water could speak, they would tell us: vote yes. Look at the list of recommended projects—Coleman’s Canyon Preserve (and the Wimberley Bat Cave), Sentinel Peak Preserve on the Blanco River, the Violet Crown Trail, Cape’s Fishing Pond, and other important park lands across the county. They bring open space and conservation, hiking and biking, urban parks, and flood mitigation.

Our natural resources need us. Water is increasingly scarce and habitat is disappearing to the pipeline and unprecedented growth. Let’s vote for the bond for our quality of life and a Hill Country we are proud to pass on to the next generation. Go to HaysParksForPeople.com to learn more.

David Baker