BUDDY’S BACKYARD RV RESORT
EXPLANATIONS & ANSWERS
MEET SANDRA & KRISTY
MEET SANDRA & KRISTY Sandra Bennett & Kristy Petree are the visionaries behind Buddy’s Backyard RV Resort. Sandra holds BS & Masters Degrees from Northeast Louisiana University. She was a teacher and a coach in Westlake and Georgetown for more than 15 years. Inspired by her grandfather’s engineering work, Sandra went into construction and design in 2000, and cofounded BenTree Builders. Kristy is a native Texan, born and raised in Lubbock. Shortly after gaining her degree from Texas State University, she began selling real estate and obtained her Broker’s license in 2003, and is a member of the Austin Board of Realtors. Today, they are the owners of BenTree Builders. They are not out-of-town investors. They’ve built their lives and business in central Texas for decades.
EXAMPLES OF BENTREE BUILDERS’ PROJECTS
EXAMPLES OF BENTREE BUILDERS’ PROJECTS
MEET BUDDY Buddy’s Backyard is named after Kristy and Sandra’s dog, Buddy. Buddy was rescued 15 years ago after he had been abandoned at a job site in NW Hills. Buddy is a loyal and curious Red Heeler, and he loves going on outdoor adventures. He’s also well-known at Home Depots all around town. He has been a great companion and it’s truly a question of, “Who rescued who?”
WHY A RV RESORT IS THE BEST USE OF THIS LAND
WHY A RV RESORT IS THE BEST USE OF THIS LAND Where are RV parks located? RV Parks and Resorts are located near national, state and county treasures such as our very own crown jewel Hamilton Pool Preserve. In fact, Hamilton Pool made the front cover of the 2019 Texas Camping and RV Guide.
There’s plainly a shortage of accommodations in the area. Hamilton Pool is ranked as one the best swimming holes in the country and is booked months in advance by reservation only. Yet, the closest RV park is 100% occupied.
WHY A RV RESORT IS THE BEST USE OF THIS LAND Just like RV Parks all over Texas, Buddy’s Backyard would be located a short distance from two popular parks: Hamilton Pool and Reimers Ranch.
Hamilton Pool Reimers Ranch
Buddy’s Backyard
WHY A RV RESORT IS THE BEST USE OF THIS LAND The Property is located a short distance from Hamilton Pool Road with no residential homes between the Property and the main traffic artery intersection at Hamilton Pool Road and Stage Coach Ranch Road.
Intersection with Main Traffic Artery
Buddy’s Backyard
WHY A RV RESORT IS THE BEST USE OF THIS LAND The Property is bordered to the north by 30 acres recently purchased by Travis County for future parkland. Intersection with Main Traffic Artery
30-Acres, Travis County Parkland
Buddy’s Backyard
WHY A RV RESORT IS THE BEST USE OF THIS LAND The nearest residential home is almost a half-mile away and Buddy’s Backyard can only be seen when driving directly past the property.
Buddy’s Backyard
Nearest residence. Almost a 1/2 mile away.
HOW BUDDY’S BACKYARD CONSERVES LAND AND IS ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
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Buddy’s Backyard is better for land conservation, since 70% of the property will be open green space
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Manufacturers are constructing RVs with conservation in mind. They are producing lightweight, towable vehicles and smaller, fuel-efficient motorhomes
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80% of RVs are non-motorized
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30% of RV owners have diesel tow vehicles
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RVs have low-flow faucets, so they use very little water
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20% of RVs use solar power
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RVs have lower fuel emissions with the use of propane, which is a cleaner fuel
LET’S TALK ABOUT BUDDY’S BACKYARD RV RESORT
401 Stagecoach Ranch Road, Dripping Springs, Texas
OUR VISION To provide a luxury-style RV resort for visitors and the wider Travis County residents allowing them the opportunity to enjoy a little piece of the hill country if only for a short time. We plan to cater to today’s RV owners who desire upscale amenities while enjoying the serenity of their surroundings. Our amenities will include: •
Manicured & Maintained Grounds
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Workout Facility
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Playground
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Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
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Clubhouse
Individual Utilities
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Activity Center
WIFI
EXAMPLES LIKE BUDDY’S BACKYARD
EXAMPLES LIKE BUDDY’S BACKYARD
EXAMPLES LIKE BUDDY’S BACKYARD
EXAMPLES LIKE BUDDY’S BACKYARD
PLANS INCLUDE A COMMUNITY CENTER
PLANS INCLUDE A COMMUNITY CENTER
OUR COMMUNITY CENTER
PLANS INCLUDE A POOL
PLANS INCLUDE A GAME ROOM
A PLAY GROUND FOR THE LITTLE ONES
ADDRESSING CONCERNS
PROTECTING HAMILTON POOL
HAMILTON POOL CLOSURES Unfortunately, Hamilton Pool has been closed multiple times due to contamination, and it is frequently tested for E Coli. The most likely cause of contamination is runoff from nearby agricultural farms and animal feces like goats and sheep. Studies recommended that TCEQ and the EPA work to reduce the amount of pollution that enters waterways from runoffs through engineering solutions and storm water controls. Currently, Hamilton Pool Preserve does NOT have any water quality controls in place to capture storm runoff from park or any other contaminants that enter Hamilton Creek from upstream. Our development takes ALL measures to ensure the safety of Hamilton Pool by the use of engineered septic system, engineered well, and engineered water quality controls.
BUDDY’S BACKYARD IS FURTHER AWAY FROM HAMILTON POOL THAN A 429-ACRE RANCH/FARM. HAMILTON CREEK RUNS THROUGH THE RANCH/ FARM. THE ANIMALS REGULARLY GO INTO THE CREEK.
Hamilton Pool
Buddy’s Backyard
RANCH/FARM
ENGINEERED SEPTIC SYSTEM Our plans take all measures to protect Hamilton Pool and the surrounding environment. Our Septic Designer is Steve Gilmer. He is the former Executive Director of the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), which oversees all On-Site Septic Facilities in the county. •
State-of-the-art Aerobic System — Unlike a traditional septic system, aerobic systems produce highquality effluent water, which is odorless and colorless. All of the water will be reused on the property. NONE of the treated water will leave the property. The system has alarms, duel pumps and reserve space to allow for time for preventative maintenance. The system will have a continuous service policy with a licensed maintenance provider at all times to keep it working in top condition.
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Distance — Our system is approximately 3000’ from Hamilton Pool. This greatly exceeds the required minimum setback distance of 75’ away from a body of water.
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Passes all County Rules and Regulations — Our plans meet all state and local requirements which are based on years of analysis by governmental agencies to protect sensitive areas and water bodies from contamination.
NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM AT HAMILTON POOL Our system is approximately 3000’ from the Hamilton Pool Preserve and is separated by a public road. Travis County is currently constructing its own septic system for public use just a few hundred feet from the pool and there has been no public outcry. The misleading information and false accusations that our septic system will contaminate Hamilton Pool are completely unfounded and nonfactual.
NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM AT HAMILTON POOL
ENGINEERED COMMERCIAL WELL Our Commercial Well was engineered by Don Rauschuber of DGRA, Inc. Mr. Rauschuber is the former General Manager of the Western Travis County Public Utility Agency and has 44 years of engineering experience. •
His focus is on protecting the aquifer by engineering plans that meet all State and County requirements.
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Our well is regulated by TCEQ which enforces strict construction guidelines to protect the Aquifer which are far more stringent than required by residential wells.
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Within the past year, Travis County drilled their very own commercial well near Hamilton Pool for public use.
WATER USE
PROTECTING THE AQUIFER Our Commercial Water Well will be drilled by hydrologist, Joe J. Vickers of The Wellspec Company. In 2013, he won the Innovation Award from the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District for his "continued commitment and dedication to protecting the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer through incorporating innovative practices and research that have greatly improved the overall understanding of the hydrogeology and well construction in the District.” •
WORST case scenario (which would never happen) if our well ran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days for 10 years with NO recharge at 400’ away, the aquifer would drop less than 5’. Beyond 400’ feet there would be ZERO effect on the aquifer. In summary, our well will NOT have ANY impact on adjoining property owners.
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The average residential home uses 450 gallons a day. The average RV uses 40 gallons a day.
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At FULL capacity our RV Resort‘s water usage would equate to that of only 7 residential homes.
WATER USE The Commercial Well will have a minuscule impact on aquifer levels. Over a 10-year period, the drawdown 400’ away would be less than 5’.
WATER QUALITY CONTROLS
ENGINEERED WATER QUALITY CONTROLS •
Our property is within in the Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance which was implemented to protect water quality throughout the Highland Lakes region.
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LCRA actively manages stormwater runoff around the Highland Lakes and the Lower Colorado River to contain the pollution found in stormwater runoff.
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Our RV resort has TWO engineered water quality ponds combined with infiltration trenches that are designed above water quality requirements by LCRA. In addition, we are decreasing runoff and improving permeability by adding vegetation filter strips, topsoil and green space which improves the existing soils profile.
LAND USE
LAND CONSERVATION •
70% of the land will be green open space.
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Only 30% of the land will be developed.
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Buddy’s Backyard RV Resort has participated in the Balcones Canyonland Preserve to help buy more land for conservation efforts.
WILDFIRE
WILDFIRE SAFETY PLAN I. First and foremost, since most deaths occur in vehicles while fleeing a fire, we will Educate and Promote the practice of “Sheltering in Place” as advised and directed by the Lake Travis Fire Department. In the event of a wildfire, this practice has been found most effective by fire experts nationwide. We will create a defensible space for guests to shelter in place by implementing the following: a. Create a 50’ safe space from property lines. b. Implement the “Firewise” guide for landscaping and construction. Firewise landscaping will consist of large amounts of non-combustible material such as grass and rock. c. Irrigate the grassy areas next to the RV pads and the Community Center. d. Remove dry and tall grass. Keep the defensible space green and healthy. e. Prune and remove dead branches, and rake and remove leaves from around and under vegetation. f.
Construct an Ignition-Resistant Community Center to be built mostly out of metal with a concrete foundation.
g. Use non-flammable fencing materials around buildings and in defensible spaces.
WILDFIRE SAFETY PLAN II. Upon check-in, provide written instructions to guests about our Fire Safety Plan in the event of a wildfire. III. Have park guests sign an agreement to adhere to our Fire Safety Plan. If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, guests are to leave RVs at the park and evacuate in an orderly manner. Â IV. Allow the fire department access to our swimming pool to fill trucks. V. Property manager will alert guests of conditions and provide instructions. VI. Post sign at road prohibiting west-bound turns onto Hamilton Pool Road if over the maximum length. VII. Subscribe to Warn Central Texas emergency notification system. VIII. Provide 5,000-gallon fire suppression tank on-site.
TRAFFIC
TRAFFIC IMPACT Buddy’s Backyard RV Resort will have a minimal traffic impact: The majority of traffic is generated from personal vehicles after disconnecting from the RV. The actual RV is a small fraction of the daily trips. •
16 trips during a.m. peak hours
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30 trips during p.m. peak hours
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A total average of 181 daily trips
This is far fewer than the number of trips that would be generated by other commercial developments such as a brewery, wedding venue, or office complex, which can result in 500+ daily trips.
IMPROVED INTERSECTION The intersection of Hamilton Pool Road and Stagecoach Ranch Road has just undergone major improvements to accommodate the traffic going to Hamilton Pool, including a turn lane and a 85’ turn radius onto Stagecoach Ranch Road. The bridge that crosses Hamilton Creek is currently under construction and being widened and improved for safety.
STARGAZING
STARGAZING •
To minimize any impact on stargazing at the Reimers Ranch Observatory, will implement mandatory “dark hours” when our outdoor lighting will be dimmed or limited.
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After all, we want to make sure our residents and guests can enjoy stargazing, too.
PUBLIC SAFETY
PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS WHO IS RV-ing? Camping is extremely popular. Every year, millions of Americans seek ways to become more active through camping and all the activities that come with it, like swimming, hiking, biking and walking. This goes for all generations and ethnic groups. Unfortunately, there is a negative and outdated perception about the “quality” of the persons who visit RV parks. Today’s RV owners are different. •
The average RV owner is 48-years-old, married with children, and makes an above-average annual household income.
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Most own their own homes.
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The price of an RV has increased greatly with the desire for more bells and whistles, many purchase RVs that range from $100,000 to $500,000.
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RVers also boost the local economies by spending money at restaurants, stores and businesses.
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RV owners and their families spend an average of 3-4 weeks yearly RVing and travel less than 50 miles from home.
MORE RVS ARE NOW OWNED BY THOSE AGED 35-54
 THAN ANY OTHER GROUP
MILLENNIALS CONTINUE TO MAKE UP THE BULK OF NEW CAMPERS
AMERICANS ARE TRAVELING SHORTER DISTANCES AND 
 ON WEEKENDS WITH LESS PLANNING
THE ETHNIC MIX OF CAMPERS CONTINUES TO GROW
OLDER CAMPERS SAY THEIR OVERALL LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS IS WHAT DROVE THEM TO THE CAMPING LIFESTYLE
96% OF TEENS SAY THEY ENJOY CAMPING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE CAMPING IS A WAY TO DISCONNECT FROM THEIR ELECTRONIC LIVES.
SIMILAR RV PARKS IN TRAVIS COUNTY
EXAMPLES OF RV PARKS AROUND AUSTIN Pecan Grove RV Park on Barton Springs Road. Opened in the 1940s. Just down the street from Barton Springs, close to Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park .
EXAMPLES OF RV PARKS AROUND AUSTIN La Hacienda RV Resorts & Cottages. It is located near Lake Travis on Hudson Bend Road, which is a Travis County road that is 21’ in width.
ONE JUST OPENED: OPEN AIR RESORTS A new RV park just opened in Spicewood which has many of the same characteristics as ours, but WITHOUT any issues obtaining permits from Travis County. Open Air Resorts is located 2000’ from the Colorado River. Adjoins a 21’ wide county road that is one-way in and one-way out. Has a far more dense residential population than ours. Has 125 RV slips (versus our 80 RV spaces).
ONE JUST OPENED: OPEN AIR RESORTS The County Road for the Open Air RV park also services Barton Creek Lakeside, Travis Lakeside, Travis Bluff and Lakecliff on Lake Travis subdivisions.
SUMMARY
IN SUMMARY With no zoning or deed restrictions, this land could be developed into many other businesses that could be invasive to the community and the surroundings such as office condos, motel/lodge, wedding facility, brewery, industrial, self storage, etc. Instead, our development is harmonious with the nature of the area and will be a great asset for the parks, visitors and wider Travis County residents who desire an opportunity to enjoy the Hill Country. (Not to mention the economic impact it will have on the local economy.) The overall love of the outdoors and the pursuit of physical activities is the driving force that has contributed to the RV industry growth of more than 200% in the last 8 years making it a $50 billion dollar annual industry, and a major contributor to the Texas economy. Camping is a way to unite people of all generations, cultures and ethnic groups.
BUDDY’S BACKYARD WILL GIVE FRIENDS & FAMILIES THE ESCAPE THEY ARE LOOKING FOR!