Major projects underway at South Llano River State Park

by Park Superintendent Cody Edwards

Visitors from throughout and outside of the state have been heard referring to our community’s South Llano River State Park as a true jewel of the Texas Hill Country. It is apparent that our Hill Country gem is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for visitors. During the past fiscal year, the park attracted 63,803 visitors, generating total revenue of $456,607, which does not include the economic benefits to the community at large.

As the park’s new superintendent, having arrived in 2022, one important responsibility has been to oversee the completion of significant infrastructure projects that will make the park even more attractive for visitors. Information on these projects follows further below.

The park, which opened in 1990, is about five miles south of Junction and consists of around 2,600 acres. It was made possible

Buck, Jr. The park has one of the largest has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park and is well known to stargazers. It is a destination for many species of birds and its four bird blinds are very popular with birders – our park is a prime habitat of the endangered Golden Cheeked Warbler. There are also over 22 miles of excellent hiking trails.

Having been in operation for over thirty years, three major park improvements are now underway, with work on other improvements to begin at the end of 2023. The park will remain open during the course of the projects.

Walter Buck’s old ranch house, which has served as the Park Headquarters, will be replaced by a new 4,473 square-foot headquarters. The old ranch house will eventually become an interpretive center with exhibits that highlight the ranching history of the land before it became a park. The new headquarters, located about mid-way between the park entrance and the old ranch house, will contain administrative offices, a park store, and will include drive-through service for paying fees and obtaining permits.

Construction of the new headquarters is expected to be completed by Memorial Day

(May 9) in 2023, with the actual opening of the new building for business taking place during June. The project is being funded by the Texas Parks and Department at a cost of $3,351,298.

Another important project is the replacement of an aged low-water-crossing entrance to the park. It will be replaced by an elevated bridge. The distance from the riverbed to the underside of the new bridge will be approximately fifteen feet. It is currently expected to open during June 2023, after which the temporary crossing will be removed. The bridge is being funded by the

Texas Department of Transportation at a cost of $2,649,387. This project will enhance existing opportunities for aquatic recreation, especially for canoers, kayakers, and tubers, as they will no longer be forced to portage around the low water crossing.

It is expected that the park’s first amphitheater will also be built and opened to the public during 2023. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as this May with the amphitheater possibly opening in the fall. Private funds will be used to pay for this project. The idea for an amphitheater was born following the tragic death of Bob Klemme, a park guest from Midland, Texas, who was struck by lightning at the park in May 2019. Funds have been donated by friends and family of Klemme, and the Friends of the South Llano River State Park have helped to facilitate the undertaking of the project.

The amphitheater will be an “open-to-theskies amphitheater, with rows of limestone blocks for seating set against a hilly backdrop.” It will be available for star gazing as well as a variety of other educational and park guest activities. The currently estimated cost of the project is around $105,000. Donations for the project are still being accepted. If one would like to donate to the project, a donation by check (made out to Friends of the SLRSP) can be sent to: Treasurer, Friends of the South Llano River State Park, P.O. Box 174, Junction, Texas 76849.

In addition to the above projects, the park’s water and electric utilities will be upgraded with work slated to begin in December 2023.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of state parks in Texas. South Llano River State Park, along with parks throughout the state, will be conducting programs that celebrate the history of our parks and of the Texas

State Park System. The culmination of these capital projects during the centennial year of our state park system highlights the positive momentum of the Texas State Park system and sets the stage for the next 100 years. The Park staff and I, along with my wife Jamie and our 6-year-old daughter, extend an open welcome to all visitors and look forward to making your visit a truly enjoyable experience. (The park’s website is https://tpwd. texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river.)

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