The Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, located approximately 8 miles from I-10 in Boerne, is looking to open to the public in the Fall of 2026, according to officials at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

What's happening

The property, which the state said was acquired from a donation by the Kronkosky estate in March 2011, has yet to be opened to the public.

Now, James Rice, the Superintendent of the Albert & Bessie SNA, said that the current development of the area “is really moving along.”

“The buildings are going up, the walls are going up as we speak,” Rice said.


The impact

The area will contain accessible trails for walking and hiking, 25 campsites, cabins, a headquarters office and an environmental classroom, according to Rice.

“We’re very excited about it,” Rice said. “It’s sort of tucked into the environment.”

The area contains several species that are rare and threatened in the Hill Country, according to the TPWD’s website. Some of these animals are the Texas spring salamander, the alligator lizard and the golden-cheeked warbler.


“This site is very fragile, it’s got a lot of rare species on it,” Rice said.

Assessing the need

Rice said that the Albert & Bessie SNA will serve as a model for accessibility for current and future state parks and recreational areas.

“We are making the experience accessible,” Rice said. “Not just physical buildings, but beyond that onto the trail.”


People with mobility, sight or hearing issues will still be able to enjoy the full experience of the natural area, according to Rice.