Dripping Springs Ranch Park manager seeks $600,000 roof repairs; council approves LCRA grant application

Dripping Springs Ranch Park (DSRP) manager Lily Sellers told the council on Aug. 5 that the park’s roof is leaking throughout rentable spaces and has reached a condition that threatens rentals and equipment. Sellers presented a prioritized FY26 improvements list with the roof repair and elastomeric coating as the top item, priced at $600,000, followed by HVAC/Daikin repairs ($98,000), exterior facility lighting (~$27,250), wash-rack renovation ($8,000), and parking re-striping ($5,000).

Sellers described extensive localized pooling, damaged skylights she called a primary cause of leaks, and staff workarounds during events (tarps and buckets). She said the roof project will remove fiberglass skylights, replace them with metal sheeting, repair fasteners and penetrations, and apply a reflective elastomeric white coating; the system includes a 10-year warranty. Staff are pursuing outside funding and last week submitted an application to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Community Grant program.

Emily Nelson, assistant director of Parks & Community Services, explained that LCRA typically awards up to $50,000 but is offering a $100,000 award this cycle for its anniversary; the city submitted and can withdraw if council requests. Council members asked whether lighting upgrades were primarily for dark-sky compliance or functional replacements and whether sign/wayfinding costs would compete with park capital needs; staff said some sign work could be staged and that parkland dedication funds or grants may cover certain park projects. Council authorized submission of the LCRA application and asked staff to continue pursuing grant and other funding options for the larger roof repair.