The opening event included remarks from local organizations and officials, including the San Marcos River Foundation, former Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and current Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer.
The overview
The trail connects Ringtail Ridge Natural Area and the River Recharge Natural Area, enhancing regional trail connectivity and expanding public access to preserved land, according to an April 9 news release.
The Limestone Link name reflects both the area's natural limestone rock and the trail’s function linking two green spaces. The project was funded through a 2011 voter-approved parks bond, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Digging deeper
According to San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance President John Cradit, the trail was built on former ranch land preserved by the county.
“It started with this land just being raw ranch land,” Cradit said. “Now it's a family-friendly trail that meanders through the cedars and under these great oaks.”
Volunteers played a key role in the trail’s construction, donating 754 hours over the past year, valued at $25,300 in labor.
“We look forward to building other trails back here,” Cradit added. “There’s still a big chunk of land on the other side that’s going to be really challenging, but it’s going to be a real pretty trail.”
More details
Former Commissioner Lon Shell reflected on the years-long collaboration it took to make the project a reality.
“It takes a lot of people that have commitment to conservation and to their community to make these things work,” Shell said. “I'm just proud of that coordination and working hard, even though it takes a long time.”
Current Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer praised the benefits of open space and park access.
“This helps with our health, gets us a little bit of a spiritual awakening when we're out in nature,” Hammer said. “This is what is going to keep us sane as a society.”
Garry Merritt, CEO of the Great Springs Project, acknowledged the partnerships and decades of work that led to the trail’s completion.
“Every single person here had something to do with this opening today,” Merritt said. “It has taken all of us working together to bring this project online.”
Texas State University is being considered as a future partner to expand trails, as it owns adjacent land. Additional trail development is expected to continue, building on the connectivity goal that started with Limestone Link.
