Blue Hole got lucky. The land along this spring-fed stretch of Cypress Creek was about to be subdivided when, in 2005, the Village of Wimberley purchased the ecological treasure. Now, with planning assistance provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a 126-acre park is in the works.
The swimming hole, along with its towering cypress trees, will remain the centerpiece of the park, but other amenities will be added over time, including tennis courts, hike and bike trails, a soccer field, a community pavilion, and primitive camping areas.
As of July 2009, the only on-site facilities available were port-a-potties and rope swings. A main office, which will include restrooms and changing rooms, is currently being designed, using the latest green building techniques.
More than 60 percent of the park will be maintained as natural areas. Habitat types on the property include juniper/live oak woodland, grassland savanna, and riparian stream corridors. A long-term restoration plan for each area will add more plant species to increase native plant diversity and wildlife habitat.
The swimming hole will remain open during the initial phases of the project. Check the Village of Wimberley website for hours and updates about any temporary closures.
Links
Video: Ring Jumping at Blue Hole
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