A decade in the making: River Ranch County Park to open in 2023

Construction on River Ranch County Park, located between Leander and Liberty Hill, is nearing completion, according to Russell Fishbeck, Williamson County senior director of parks, but the county is not ready to announce an official opening date.

“It’s coming along very nicely, and we’re going to reach that finish line real soon,” Fishbeck said, adding an opening for the 1,354-acre park is expected this year.

The project to bring useable green space has been years in the making. With funding from a 2013 bond, the project broke ground in December 2018 after Williamson County agreed to an $11 million contract with Ritter, Botkin Prime Construction Co. Initially expected to be completed by 2020, construction stalled after the county terminated its agreement with the contractor for failing to meet milestones outlined in the contract.

In May, the Commissioners Court selected Chasco Constructors LLC to finish up the job. Now, Chasco is making progress on repairs and improvements to the project.

Fishbeck said the company has been working to remedy drainage issues in four areas throughout the park.

“The water was not flowing where it was designed to, and it was creating other issues, such as erosion and flooding in areas that aren’t designed for that,” he said. “So they’ve had to basically go in and re-elevate and institute some new drainage channels and armor them up with rock.”

In the meantime, parks and recreation staff is preparing the site by grooming trails and keeping vegetation under control. Once the construction is completed, Fishbeck said the parks department will announce a grand opening.

Park amenities

The 1,354-acre River Ranch County Park will provide opportunities to camp, picnic, hike, bike, ride horses and access the south fork of the San Gabriel River.

• 4,800-square-foot interpretive center
• 50 tent camping sites
• 24 RV camping sites
• 4 parking areas
• 2 pavilions
• Equestrian area
• Bathhouse