Penny Appleman

This document outlines the City of Dripping Springs Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. Adopted in November 2025, the plan aims to foster growth and vibrancy in the parks and recreation system, support the Parks and Community Services Department, champion environmental stewardship, and cultivate community spirit. It provides a roadmap for strengthening existing amenities, developing new parks, preserving natural areas, and ensuring well-managed services to enhance the community's quality of life.

This Master Plan Update for Dripping Springs Ranch Park is designed to guide improvements and priorities for the next 5 to 10 years, building upon its vision of 'Where past meets the future!'. The plan's strategic pillars include maximizing recreational and functional opportunities across the park and its event center, establishing and maintaining high-quality facilities, enhancing marketing and outreach to residents, balancing revenue generation with providing affordable recreation, ensuring a safe and secure environment, and preserving the rich ranching and farming culture of Dripping Springs.

This Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan for the City of Dripping Springs provides a strategic roadmap for developing and managing the city's park system. Its core objectives are to establish a connected network of multiuse trails, ensure high-quality parks through upgrades and maintenance, and enhance public awareness of recreational opportunities. The plan prioritizes outdoor facility improvements, considers public-private partnerships for indoor facilities, and outlines strategies for acquiring additional community park land to accommodate population growth and improve overall recreational experiences.

The City Council seeks to amend the city's budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, adjusting line items in the Utility Fund for legitimate municipal purposes authorized by Texas Local Government Code. Budget changes include adjustments to the Utilities Fund, specifically for Wastewater, with decreases in expenditures for Big Sky Routine Operations, Chlorinator Maintenance, Chemicals, Electricity, and Sludge Hauling. In Development/Capital, Planning & Permitting has been added, while HR Treated Effluent Fill Station and WWTP Water Supply have been reduced. Additionally, Caliterra Reimbursement: Spray Fields have been added.

The budget includes information about property tax rates, debt obligations, and itemization of certain expenditures. It also includes financial data for various funds, such as the General Fund, Parks Fund, Founders Day Fund, Farmers Market Fund, Parkland Dedication Fund, Parkland Development Fund, Landscaping Fund, Sidewalk Fund, Ranch Park Operating Fund, Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund, Visitors Bureau Fund, and Utility Fund. Key discussion topics include revenue, expenses, and balance forwards for each fund.