Louise Hays Park sure looks marvelous for 75; community celebration set

Louise Hays Park will celebrate its 75th anniversary Saturday with a community gathering featuring live music, children’s activities and local vendors.

The celebration, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will transform the popular riverside park into a festival ground honoring its legacy as one of Kerrville’s most treasured community spaces.

“This park is more than just recreation. It’s a community space where everyone is welcome, regardless of your politics,” said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr.

The park began as a generous gift from Robert and Louise Hays, who donated 35 acres to the city in 1950 with the stipulation that it be named after Louise. What started as a romantic gesture between a loving couple has grown into what Herring describes as a “magnificent asset” for the community.

“The park has not been neglected over the years,” Herring said. “It’s actively managed and has grown significantly even in my lifetime.”

Event highlights include a Kids Craft Zone sponsored by local businesses Color of Clay, Walmart and Home Depot. The Heart of the Hills Farmers Market will operate alongside exhibitor booths from local organizations.

A time capsule ceremony will preserve messages for future generations, including a handwritten letter from Mayor Herring complete with a hand-drawn treasure map marking a cypress tree.

The Parks and Recreation Department has emphasized that the celebration will appeal to all ages, creating an opportunity for families to connect with the park’s history while enjoying contemporary amenities that have been added over the decades.

Those seeking additional information can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 830-257-7300 or recreation@kerrvilletx.gov. Updates are also available on the city’s website or social media accounts.