As Georgetown’s population grows, the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department is working on several projects to ensure residents have spaces to enjoy, said Kimberly Garrett, the department’s director.
“It’s one of the big draws that brings people to Georgetown: our parks,” Garrett said. “We hear that over and over again. They’re enjoyed by all ages. Little kids up to senior adults can enjoy parks.”
Garrett said the parks department is fortunate to have the support of City Council and residents alike.
“Just because you have a parks system doesn’t mean it’s great,” she said. “It’s that investment that people appreciate, that they know [the parks are] safe and well-maintained.”
Garey Park
After three years of design work, construction on Garey Park began in March. The $13.5 million project should be complete for the park to open by April 2018, Garrett said.
When finished, Garey Park will be about 1 1/2 times larger than Austin’s Zilker Park in terms of size.
Garey Park was made possible by Jack and Cammy Garey, who donated their 525-acre ranch and house to the city in 2004, along with a $5 million cash donation, Garrett said.
The park’s construction is also funded with a $10 million parks bond package approved by Georgetown voters in 2008.
Upon completion of construction, the Gareys’ former home will be utilized as an event center, and the land surrounding the house will include an equestrian facility and horse trails, “play ranches” for both children and dogs, hiking trails and open play fields.
San Gabriel Park
San Gabriel Park’s first phase of improvements will be completed in early 2018 after 2 1/2 years of construction funded by the 2008 bonds.
The first phase includes traffic-calming measures, pavilions, restrooms, parking, a trailhead and entry monuments with signage.
In a second phase, the city will install four picnic and barbecue tables, a large multiuse pavilion, 10 smaller pavilions for picnics, more trails and two children’s play areas. The second phase also includes an extension of a park trail about half a mile northeast along the San Gabriel River to the nearby Katy Crossing neighborhood. The extension will be funded by a $50,000 state grant awarded to the parks department.
Garrett said design for a third phase could begin in 2019. Potential features of that latter phase include an event lawn for festivals, she said.
Founder’s Park
Construction on improvements at Founder’s Park, at the corner of East Ninth and Church streets, is slated to begin in September, Garrett said.
The upgrades include sidewalk repairs to make the park more accessible, the installation of picnic tables and a water fountain and new signs to indicate the area is a city park.
