San Marcos ramps up river rules, eyes visitor fee
San Marcos City Council is tightening riverfront park management this summer with new enforcement of the city’s single-use beverage container ordinance, or “can ban,” and a new fence at Rio Vista Park.
The overview
At its May 20 work session, council voted 6-1—with council member Alyssa Garza dissenting—to install a temporary fence enclosing Rio Vista Park, with controlled entry gates staffed on weekends and holidays. The fenced access point is a pilot effort to improve rule compliance and manage summer crowds, according to the City Council presentation. The fence is already in place.
Park rules include leashed pets, limits on grills and shelters, and container restrictions. The can ban, adopted in February 2024, prohibits single-use containers in “No Zones” and limits coolers and small alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance’s first year focused on education. This summer begins enforcement, with penalties ranging from warnings to citations.
ADA sidewalks, ramps coming to 2 Hays County buildings
The Hays County Local Health Department building and the Elections Office buildings will get new ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps, following approval by the Hays County Commissioners Court on June 10.
The details
The HCLHD building, also known as the Thermon building, and Election Office building ramps and sidewalks were found to be noncompliant with ADA standards. If the buildings remained in noncompliance that would result in a $5,000 daily fine, according to agenda documents.
Myers Construction will do construction for both projects for $9,899 each, which includes costs for construction, labor and materials.
Onion Creek Trail opens, expanding Buda’s trail network
Residents now have a new place to walk, run and bike in Buda.
The 1.5-mile Onion Creek Trail officially opened May 30, following years of planning and collaboration between the city, Hays County and the Texas Water Development Board, according to a news release.
The overview
The paved, multiuse trail runs along Onion Creek near the Buda Amphitheater and City Park, stretching from Old Black Colony Road to Garison Park. It includes a pedestrian bridge over Onion Creek and was first identified in Buda’s 2021 Parks Master Plan as a priority for expanding the city’s trail network and connecting popular community destinations, according to the release.
Kyle launches survey to help shape future of public art
Kyle officials are working on the city’s first Public Art Master Plan, and they’re asking residents to share their input through a community survey open through July 25, according to a news release.
The overview
City Council approved the plan’s development during a May 6 meeting, according to the release.
The release states that once finalized, the plan will help guide how public art is selected, placed, funded and maintained throughout Kyle.
Officials said the plan is meant to reflect the city’s values, support local artists and promote cultural engagement, while also helping the Arts and Cultural Board carry out its goals.
