A land gift from area developer Dick Rathgeber Dec. 10 will more than double the overall acreage of dedicated parkland in Dripping Springs.

Appraised at $5.7 million, the 300-acre tract is located near the Headwaters subdivision and will be developed into the Rathgeber Natural Resource Park over the next two to four years, according to the city. The city will begin creating a master plan for the project, which will be partially funded through Hays County’s 2020 parks bond.

Parks & Community Services Director Kelly Schmidt said Dripping Springs will be working to gather feedback from residents and outside firms to create a park that serves the community. Park goals will include improving water quality, promoting nature education, continued conservation and providing outdoor recreation opportunities, she said.

When the park opens to the public after its two-to-four year development, it will bring the total acreage of parkland within the city to 571 acres.