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River Trail, Louise Hays Park to partially reopen Monday

The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department announced the reopening, marking a significant step in recovery efforts after the flood heavily damaged the park and trail system.

Select segments of the Kerrville River Trail and portions of Louise Hays Park will reopen Monday following a three-month closure after deadly flooding on July 4 swept through Kerr County.

The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department announced the reopening, marking a significant step in recovery efforts after the flood heavily damaged the park and trail system.

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“We’re excited to welcome the community back to these beloved spaces,” said Jay Brimhall, director of Parks and Recreation. “This reopening is a big step forward, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we continue restoration work.”

What’s reopening

Three trail segments will reopen Monday:

— The River Trail from Birkdale Trailhead in River Hills to G Street Trailhead.

— The segment from Schreiner University Trailhead to G Street Trailhead.

— The trail from G Street Trailhead to Tranquility Island, accessible only from Louise Hays Park.

All reopened areas have been evaluated for safety and accessibility, according to the city.

What remains closed

Several areas will stay closed indefinitely. The bridge at Camp Meeting Creek crossing east of Birkdale Trailhead was completely removed, creating hazardous drop-offs. That closure affects the River Trail segment from Birkdale Trailhead to Kerrville-Schreiner Park Trailhead.

On Tranquility Island, pedestrian bridges at Lemos Street Bridge and the Butt Holdsworth Memorial Library remain closed due to handrail damage. The island cannot be accessed from Riverside Nature Center or the library.

All trail segments and trailheads west of Lemos Street Bridge remain closed, as do all play structures along the River Trail.

Safety guidelines

The city established rules for trail users:

— Trails open dawn to dusk only.

— Stay on designated paths. Much of the River Trail crosses private property.

— No motorized vehicles, including electric bikes, golf carts and motorized hoverboards.

— Observe all signs and barricades.

— Stay clear of construction areas and equipment.

— Use only marked parking areas.

City staff and law enforcement will monitor trail use.

Recovery continues

Visitors should expect a different park experience, officials said. Louise Hays Park sustained extensive damage and will require significant time and funding to restore.

The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Foundation is accepting tax-deductible donations for recovery efforts through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, 241 Earl Garrett St., Kerrville, Texas 78028. Donations can also be made online at https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (830) 257-7300 or recreation@kerrvilletx.gov.

Author

Growing up in Southern California, Louis Amestoy remained connected to Texas as the birthplace of his father and grandfather. Texas was always a presence in the family’s life. Amestoy’s great-grandparents settled in San Antonio, Texas, drawn by the city’s connections to Mexico and the region’s German communities. In 2019, Louis Amestoy saw an opportunity to make a home in Texas. After 30 years of working for corporate media chains, Louis Amestoy saw a chance to establish an independent voice in the Texas Hill Country. He launched The Lead to be that vehicle. With investment from Meta, Amestoy began independently publishing on Aug. 9, 2021. The Amestoys have called Kerrville home since 2019.

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