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Dripping Springs Adopts Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
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Summary
Council adopted a parks master plan after a yearlong engagement process; the plan reports 261 developed acres and 313 undeveloped acres, cites a 2025 city population of 8,689, and outlines next steps for a 5–10 year strategic business plan and capital priorities.
The Dripping Springs City Council voted Nov. 4 to adopt the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, a document staff said was the product of a yearlong public-engagement process and a system needs assessment.
Andrew Benz, director of Parks and Community Services, told council the plan includes four guiding principles, park-by-park condition assessments, updated trail maps and two conceptual designs for Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Arrowhead Park. Benz said staff conducted a statistically valid survey and outreach at community events; he reported more than 200 resident survey responses and that current parks acreage meets NRPA standards based on a 2025 city population figure of 8,689, with 261 acres developed and 313 acres undeveloped.
Council members asked staff about use by people living in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Staff said they reviewed ETJ population estimates (about 30,000) and plan to use tools such as DataFi to approximate how many visitors come from outside city limits. The council also discussed next steps: staff will develop a 5–10 year strategic business plan that sequences projects by fiscal year and establishes implementation tasks tied to the plan’s guiding principles.
After opening and closing the required public hearing with no speakers, Councilmember Sherry moved to adopt the resolution; a second followed and the resolution passed by voice vote. The council directed staff to return with a strategic business plan and annual updates to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The plan highlights priorities that emerged from public engagement including an indoor community center, trail amenities and additional pickleball facilities, and proposes evaluating whether to reinvest in or reimagine Founders Pool in future years.
