Saunders Springs Nature Preserve adds Wi‑Fi hotspot, donation QR code; parks staff report rising visitation

Parks and recreation staff updated the council on multiple improvements and outreach efforts at Saunders Springs Nature Preserve during the Aug. 19 meeting.

Parks staff member Baker reported that Brandenburg Telephone Company (BBTel) installed a Wi‑Fi hotspot at the preserve’s welcome center; the network appears as "BBTEL1234!" and covers the welcome center area. Baker said the hotspot will enable visitors to connect and will allow the city to support future security cameras or other connected infrastructure at the entrance.

The parks staff also introduced a QR code that will be posted at the welcome center, donation box and trailheads to accept electronic donations to the Saunders Springs Betterment Fund; Baker said donation patterns show fewer visitors carrying cash and that the QR capability should increase giving.

Why it matters: Staff said Saunders Springs is the top draw for regional tourism marketing, with visitors arriving from other states. The Wi‑Fi and donation technology aim to improve visitor convenience and resource generation; staff noted the preserve is intentionally managed as a nature preserve (not a park), including leaving some deadwood for habitat and ecological processes.

Next steps: Parks staff encouraged council members to test the QR code and to attend a quarterly Friends-of-the-Preserve meeting that will be held at the calling center on Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with tourism partners and to track visitation origins for promotional purposes.

Ending: The council acknowledged the updates and congratulated parks staff for the award the preserve recently received; no formal action was required.