Georgetown's Great Outdoors

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos by Ann Marie Kennon

From scenic hiking trails and swimming spots to one of the largest city parks in Texas, Georgetown’s outdoor amenities are one of the top reasons why more and more newcomers choose to call Georgetown home. The Parks and Recreation Department oversees 42 parks throughout the city that encompass 1,081 acres and feature more than 18 miles of trails, all of which give residents the chance to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

“Our trails offer access to the river corridors, which have unique spaces residents would not normally be able to visit without trails in these areas,” Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett says. “Parks also offer residents the chance to have a social environment where families and friends can gather for celebrations both big and small.”

San Gabriel Park: Along the banks of the San Gabriel River where the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River meet, you’ll find San Gabriel Park, a 180-acre park with 200-year-old oak trees that offer shady spots for family picnics, a disc golf course, hike and bike trail, and soccer, football, lacrosse, and baseball fields. The aquatic springs in San Gabriel Park and along the city’s trails is a hidden gem park feature that also provides a habitat for endangered salamanders that make their home in Georgetown.

Field of Honor

Field of Honor, hosted by the Rotary Club of Georgetown, displays over 1,000 full-size U.S. flags each November at San Gabriel Park in honor of veterans, active or reserve duty military, first responders, K9 units, and equestrian heroes. This year, Field of Honor will not be held at San Gabriel Park because of park construction. georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org

4th of July Celebration

For the last 40 years, the Sertoma Club has hosted a 4th of July celebration at San Gabriel Park, complete with food trucks, arts and craft vendors, live music, and fireworks. gtxsertoma.org

Two Step Inn

A sea of denim and cowboy boots filled San Gabriel Park in April during its first large festival. Mark your calendars for April 20-21, 2024 when the Two Step Inn Festival will return to San Gabriel Park. twostepinn.com

McMaster Athletic Complex: For sports enthusiasts, this complex offers softball and soccer fields, pickleball and sand volleyball courts, and a multi-purpose field that can be used for football, soccer, and lacrosse. Other amenities include a playground, water mister, horseshoe and washer pits, and picnic areas.

Bark Park: Located next to the McMaster Athletic Complex, the Bark Park is the city’s first public off-leash dog park and features an agility course for dogs as well as separate areas for small and large dogs. The park is located in a beautiful pecan grove that provides significant shade for dogs and their owners.

Berry Springs Park: Berry Springs Park and Preserve, managed by Williamson County and located on the outskirts of Georgetown along Berry Creek, features a heritage pecan grove, playground, picnic pavilions, and opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Don’t forget to say hi to friendly donkey greeters Lil' Bob and Pedro.

Garey Park: In 2004, Jack and Camille Garey donated their 525-acre ranch off Leander Road to be turned into Garey Park along with $5 million for park development. Visitors can enjoy the Hill Country terrain, a dog park, equestrian arena, fishing ponds, pavilions, picnic shelters, a splash pad, playground, event facility, and hiking and equestrian trails.

Family Fishing Fun

Families can enjoy a morning of fishing fun at the Garey Park ponds, with fishing equipment, instruction, and bait provided. The event is open to kids ages 5+, and children under the age of 12 must have an enrolled parent to participate in the program. Youth ages 17+ must have a valid fishing license. The $15 fee ($20 for nonresidents) includes entry into Garey Park.

8-10am Sat. Sept 9 and Oct 14 parks.georgetown.org/gareypark/garey-park-programs

Stargazing

Spend a night under the stars at Garey Park with volunteers from the Williamson County Astronomy Club on hand with telescopes and/or cameras to help visitors see various celestial objects. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Kids ages 4+ are welcome. $2 for residents and $4 for nonresidents.

• 8-10pm Wed. Sept 20 & Oct 18

• 7-9pm Tues. Nov 14

• 7-9pm Wed. Jan 17 & Feb 14, 2024

Creative Playscape:

Kids can enjoy this playscape that also features a pavilion, trails, picnic areas, and history wall that tells the story of Georgetown.

Blue Hole Park: A scenic lagoon bordered by limestone bluffs along San Gabriel River, Blue Hole Park offers picnic areas, trails, and opportunities for swimming and fishing.