STAFF REPORT

Hays County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to accept the donation of a tract of land from Wimberley Springs Partners that will add almost an acre to the Jacob’s Well Natural Area.

The .839-acre, triangular-shaped property, which currently holds a tennis court, is adjacent to the Jacob’s Well property acquired by the county in 2010 through parks and open space bond funds approved by voters in 2007.

“The county appreciates the opportunity to add to this sensitive recharge zone without cost to the County,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley, in whose precinct the property lies. “The timing is excellent for the addition of this piece of property as we are forming a countywide steering committee to help direct the planning effort for the entire park, which is some 81 acres total. Now this property can be included from the start of our master planning.”

The waters of Jacob’s Well emanate from the Trinity Aquifer and feed Cypress Creek, which flows downstream through Woodcreek, Wimberley, the Blue Hole swimming area, and into the Blanco River, thereby contributing to the recharge of the Edwards Aquifer and the San Marcos Springs. Jacob’s Well is also one of the longest underwater caves in Texas.

Wimberley Springs Partners, which owns and operates the Quicksand Golf Course in Woodcreek, also has extensive real estate holdings in the area.

“We are excited about the potential the park has for our neighborhood and for the entire Wimberley Valley,” said Winton Porterfield, vice president of Wimberley Springs Partners. “As the county moves forward with a master plan for the park, there is a possibility we will make future donations, whether for parkland or perhaps an associated trail system.”