Richard, Parks Director, told the board that during the last week in August a major leak at Blue Hole forced Wimberley Water to shut off water for the entire park, requiring cancellation of swimming for the remainder of that session and for the morning of the next session. Richard said maintenance staff located and exposed the problem and plumbers fixed the leak in less than 24 hours.
Richard also described a severe weather incident in which park staff executed a full evacuation of a sold-out swim slot and a large birthday party; there were no injuries. Several large cypress trees fell into the swimming area and staff — with assistance from the city administrator and park maintenance crews — removed multiple downed trees so the park could reopen by the next weekend. Richard said that some areas of the preserve had “widowmakers” (dangerous hanging limbs) that required inspection and removal.
Board members asked about revenue impacts; Richard said the park lost revenue for the holiday weekend because the park was closed on Labor Day and staff had to refund paid reservations for the affected day, though other September weekends remained sold out. Richard said swim season will continue on weekends in September and staff will transition to maintenance, trails work and winter project prep in the off-season.
No formal board action was taken; the update was provided as the Parks Director’s regular staff report.