RECREATION & TOURISM

GOVERNMENT Park Gems Flourish in Williamson County

Charlotte Kovalchuk

charlotte@wilcobr.com photos courtesy Russell Fishbeck RECREATION & TOURISM

“COUNTY PARKS HAVE BEEN THE BEST MEDICINE,

If there’s one thing we AND STILL ARE TODAY.” learned during the pan- ~COUNTY JUDGE demic, it’s to take time for BILL GRAVELL self-care, whether with traditional medicine, or the healing hand of nature. Home to five parks, two trail systems and an Expo Center, Williamson County offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking trails, a splash pad, athletic fields, and camping, to outside-the-box activities like a miniature railroad and a donkey compound. “[Parks] were one of the few places folks could go to during the height of the pandemic,” Parks Director Russell Fishbeck says. Williamson County was committed to ensuring residents had opportunities to get outside, exercise and recreate safely.

Another major attraction, the Williamson County Expo Center is a multi-use event center/complex that offers a variety of year-round events; equestrian and livestock-focused events to gun shows, trade shows, receptions, and fundraisers, all of which attract visitors who boost the Taylor economy, Russell says. He is also looking forward to the inaugural Williamson County Fair and Rodeo October 21-23 at the Expo Center that was postponed last year due to COVID-19.

LEISURE DESTINATION

Williamson County adopts a passive recreation approach similar to the State system when creating green spaces for nature lovers. “Our focus is to provide a destination for people to enjoy at their leisure and their own pace, whether it’s hiking, picnicking, overnight camping, or family reunions and birthday parties,” Russell says.

“We believe this approach provides an outlet that complements people’s busy lives; allowing them to enjoy the outdoors as their schedule allows,” he says.

Williamson County will continue that vision with River Ranch County Park, set to open later this year off County Road 279 between Leander and Liberty Hill, with 1,350 acres featuring 20 miles of trails, overnight camping, and picnicking. The Parks Department also aims to increase connectivity by adding more trails, a goal inspired by citizen input during the Parks Master Plan update in 2018. Williamson County already offers 30 miles of trails and plans to add almost 20 more in the future. To learn more about Williamson County’s parks, visit wilco.org/parks.

PARKS AND TRAILS

• Berry Springs Park and Preserve: Playscape, fishing, hike/bike trail, camping, picnic pavilions, 1801CR 152, Georgetown • Champion Park: Kids’ play areas, picnic pavilions, trailhead to Brushy Creek Regional Trail, 3830 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar

Park • River Ranch County Park: Picnicking, camping, trails, 194 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill (opening later this year) • SW Williamson Co Regional Park: Quarry Splash Pad, Cedar

Rock Railroad, soccer fields, softball fields, football field and stadium with track, tennis courts, basketball courts, playscape, disc golf course, cricket field, 3005 County Rd 175, Leander • Twin Lakes Park: Swimming pool/water playscape, sports field, 2300 South Bell Boulevard, Cedar Park • Brushy Creek Regional Trail: 7.75 miles from Twin Lakes Park to just east of Great Oaks Drive • Lake Creek Trail: 1.16 miles through southwest Williamson

County along Lake Creek connecting Parmer Lane to Broadmeade Ave • Expo Center: Livestock and equestrian events, vendor shows, special events, RV sites, 5350 Bill Pickett Tr, Taylor