San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | March 2025

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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 11 MARCH 22 APRIL 21, 2025

2025 Camp Guide

Water shortage sparks action

2021

2025

JJ STOKES PARK

SAN MARCOS RIVER

123

INSIDE

JJ Stokes Park's waterfall has dwindled in 2025, while San Marcos ocials work to nd long-term water sources for its growing community.

LEFT: SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT, RIGHT: COURTESY NATHAN BEAVER.

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Read about IKEA’s plans to open a San Marcos location (Page 6)

Government: Learn about plans for a 200-acre data center in San Marcos (Page 10)

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Impacts San Marcos

21 3 Bu alo Wild Wings The restaurant oers a variety of menu items, including wings, sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. • Opened Feb. 24 • 1400 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.buffalowildwings.com/locations/us/tx/san-marcos 4 Pineapple Xpress Smoke Shop & Vape San Marcos The smoke shop sells a variety of vapes, smoking accessories, CBD products and glassware alongside other merchandise. • Opened in December • 215 E. Hutchison St., San Marcos • 512-210-8432 1984 2 Passport O ce After being designated a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility by the U.S. Department of State, Texas State University opened its new passport oce. Agents will process applications for U.S. passport books and cards. • Opened March 3 • 344 W. Woods St., San Marcos • www.txst.edu/internationalaffairs.html 5 Smoke Haven The store oers a variety of vapes, nicotine products, smoking accessories, CBD products and glassware. • Opened in early March

Relocations

N. EDWARD GARY ST.

7 Hays County Food Bank The Hays County Food Bank is relocating to the former Hays Co. Bar-B-Que building in San Marcos. • Opening TBD • 1612 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.haysfoodbank.org

N. CM ALLEN PKWY.

San Marcos

AQUARENA SPRINGS DR.

In the news

8 Black Rock Co ee Bar Construction on a new Black Rock Coee Bar is set to begin in May, according to ¡lings with the TDLR. Work is

SPRINGTOWN WAY

S. GUADALUPE ST.

expected to be completed by late fall. • 296 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos • www.br.coffee

S. CM ALLEN PKWY

9 Rag & Bone Clothing brand Rag & Bone will soon open at the San Marcos Premium Outlets. Rag & Bone sells men’s and women’s denim, apparel and accessories. • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 1020, San Marcos • www.rag-bone.com 10 Chick- l-A The Chick-¡l-A near Aquarena Springs Drive temporarily closed on March 8 and reopened on March 12 after completing drive-thru renovations. • 1433 N I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.chick-¤il-a.com 11 Grins Restaurant After 50 years of owning Grins, Paul Sutphen and Johnny Ferrell are selling the restaurant to local Cody Taylor, who also owns Valentino’s Pizza in San Marcos. • 802 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • www.grinsrestaurant.com 12 P. Terry’s Burger Stand Austin-based burger stand P. Terry’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Founders Patrick and Kathy Terry opened its ¡rst location in Austin.

SAN MARCOS RIVER

WONDER WORLD DR.

123

1979 • 1035 Hwy. 123, Ste. 107, San Marcos • Facebook: Smoke Haven San Marcos

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Coming soon

6 IKEA IKEA plans to open a small-format city store in spring 2025. The store will be located in the San Mar Plaza shopping center. • Opening this spring • 917 SH-80 N., San Marcos • www.ikea.com

Now open

1 The Purple Toad The metaphysical shop sells crystals, jewelry, herbs, incense, candles, tarot cards, books and more. Owned by Trena Labowski, The Purple Toad also oers tarot and medium readings. • Opened Feb. 1 • 306 N. Edward Gary St., Ste. B, San Marcos • Instagram: thepurpletoad.tx

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 515 Springtown Way, San Marcos • www.pterrys.com

Now open

In the news

Closings

13 Everyday Zen Owned by Wen and Bryan Carey, the shop sold meditation supplies, crystals, home decor, candles and more. • Closed in late February • 165 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos • www.shopeverydayzen.com 14 Blessings Learning Center The daycare center permanently closed its doors in December according to a post on the business’ Facebook. • Closed Dec. 20 15 Planet K After 17 years of business in San Marcos, the smoke and gift shop has closed. The store sold e-cigarettes, hemp products, posters, greeting cards and more. • Closed Feb. 17 • 910 I-35 N. frontage road, San Marcos • www.planetktexas.com • 4766 Hwy. 123, Ste. 3, San Marcos • Facebook: Blessings Learning Center

16 Texas Rescue Med The emergency medical services school provides emergency medical technician classes, with plans to expand to oer paramedic classes in 2026, according to Chief Operations Ocer Sarah Kramer. • Opened Feb. 3 • 404 S. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos • www.texasrescuemed.com

17 The Root Cellar Cafe The restaurant celebrated its 20th anniversary in mid-February by changing the menu to brunch-only, its original concept when it opened in 2005. New menu items include eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, chicken salad and espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. Founder Kyle Mylius said the space will also be available nightly for event rentals. • 215 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • www.rootcellarcafe.com

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Impacts

Buda & Kyle

• 802 Center St., Ste. A, Kyle • www.resultsweightlossandmedspa.com 45 TOLL

on, experiential learning through a holistic teaching approach. The school will host an open house on April 5. • Opening in April • 870 Veterans Drive, Kyle • www.goddardschool.com/schools/tx/kyle 6 Thai Kitchen Express Thai Kitchen Express will open in Kyle, according to Jan. 17 city documents from the Kyle Economic Development and Tourism Board. • Opening TBD • 18915 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 300, Kyle 7 Khit Chiropractic & Wellness A new chiropractor is coming soon to Kyle, according to a March 11 Facebook post by the business. Khit Chiropractic & Wellness o ers chiropractic care, auto accident treatment, pain management and more. • Opening TBD • 6151 E. Post Road, Kyle • www.khitchiropractic.com 8 Security Service Federal Credit Union Construction on the new SSFCU branch began in June 2024 and is nearing completion. SSFCU o ers mortgage products, investment services, insurance services, title insurance and settlement services, retail deposit and

967

N. SAN MARCOS ST.

2 Kyle Nutrition Kyle Nutrition hosted a soft opening celebration on March 1, according to its Instagram. The shop o ers healthy shakes, teas, co ee, smoothie bowls and protein snacks. • Opened March 1 • 1501 Bunton Creek Road, Ste. 103, Kyle • Instagram: Kyle Nutrition 3 Pure Dermatology Pure Dermatology opened a new location in Plum Creek. The dermatology business, owned and operated by husband and wife duo Dr. Christopher Chu and Dr. Chelsey Straight o ers medical, surgical and cosmetic procedures and has an existing clinic in Southwest Austin. • Opened March 17 • 844 Kohlers Crossing, Ste. 250, Kyle • www.puredermtx.com 4 Goodwill Donation Center and Bookstore The new thrift store and donation center is a smaller boutique version of Goodwill’s retail thrift stores and sells pre-owned clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods. The store also has shelves of donated books. • Opened Feb. 1 • 210 Farm to Market Road 2001, Ste. 105, Buda • www.goodwillcentraltexas.org LoopDeco The bulky item and furniture removal company has launched in the greater Austin area. LoopDeco provides in-home and in-oce removal for furniture, appliances and other home goods. • Opened Feb. 1 • www.loopdeco.com 2001 21

Buda

2001

1626

WINDY HILL RD.

150

KYLE CENTER DR.

VER

Kyle

loan products. • Opening TBD • 18760 I-35 frontage road, Kyle • www.ssfcu.org

150

In the news

MAP NOT TO SCALE

9 Dollar General Kyle residents may see a new Dollar General as the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit along with modi£cations for brick enhancements on the building’s side, at its Feb. 11 meeting. The proposed store would be located between Lehman High School and Extra Space Self-Storage. • 1600 Bunton Creek Road, Kyle • www.dollargeneral.com

Now open

Coming soon

1 Results Weight Loss & Med Spa The Buda-based medical spa opened a new location in Kyle o ering weight loss injections, B-12 injections and Botox. Results Weight Loss & Med Spa is owned by Debby Brewington and Kelly Reyes. • Opened March 1

5 Goddard School of Kyle Owned by Akbar and Shermeen Bhaidani, the new school will o er early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Akbar Bhaidani said Goddard’s Wonder of Learning curriculum focuses on hands-

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMIE MOORE, SARAH HERNANDEZ & SIERRA MARTIN

10 Bualo Wild Wings Kyle is slated to get a new Bu alo Wild Wings at 1080 Kohlers Crossing. The restaurant’s Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation £ling states that construction on the new restaurant will start this April and end next year.

Now open

• 1080 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle • www.buffalowildwings.com

11 Slim Chickens Construction for a new Slim Chickens location is set to begin in April, according to a £ling with TDLR. The project is expected to be completed by September. Slim Chickens is an Arkansas-based fast-food chain serving chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches and more. • 19524 I-35 frontage road, Kyle • www.slimchickens.com Kyle 311 Kyle launched a centralized service hub, Kyle 3-1-1, on March 11 to streamline non-emergency issue reporting, service requests and city information access. • www.kyle311.com

12 Buda HIVE The Buda HIVE o ers mentorship, funding opportunities, dedicated workspace or co-working spaces, specialized and technical skills training, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

13 Cynful Beauty Salon Suites The salon held its grand opening on March 2 after opening its doors for business in December. The salon provides suite rentals to beauty professionals and currently houses several businesses. • Opened March 2 • 5581 Kyle Center Drive, Ste. 206, Kyle • Facebook: Cynful Beauty Salon Suites LLC

• Grand opening on Feb. 28 • 307 N. San Marcos St., Buda • www.budaedc.com/hive

NOW OPEN 220 Opportunity BIvd, #2A San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 451-0103

EXCITING NEWS! Groundbreaking retinal research is coming to your area! Be part of the next wave in eye care with innovative treatments for retinal health. If you are interested in learning more about retinal research, ask your retina specialist for details at your next appointment.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Government

BY JAMIE MOORE

Kyle City Council votes to relocate live oak tree After months of discussion, the Kyle City Coun- cil voted 6-1 at a special meeting Feb. 15 to relocate a 51-inch live oak tree near Old Stagecoach Road. The location of the tree conicted with the city’s planned road improvements. The details Old Stagecoach Road will be reconstructed to widen the roadway into four lanes. Voters approved the project in the 2022 Kyle Road Bond. Council members explored multiple options, including removing the tree, which would have cost $10,000. Council decided to relocate the tree to the 6 Creeks Subdivision, costing between $730,000 and $950,000. City Manager Bryan Langley said the cost of moving the tree is something the city can accommodate in road bond funding.

Buda explores food vendor regulations Buda residents may see changes to mobile food vendor regulations as the City Council begins drafting a new ordinance. A closer look Council members explored ways to improve and streamline the permitting pro- cess, balancing support for new mobile food vendors with the need for clear regulations. “I tend to think we’re overregulating mobile food vendors; that’s my personal perception as we reorient this,” council member Evan Ture said. After gathering council input on current mobile food, retail and service vendor regulations, city o cials plan to review best practices from other cities, seek stakeholder input and draft an ordinance for council consideration in July.

Road improvements along Old Stagecoach Road required the city to consider design options for the tree.

JAMIE MOORECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Road widening

Oak tree

CENTER ST.

San Marcos City Council starts discussions on proposed 200-acre data center

it from “Conservation/Cluster” to “Commercial/ Employment Low.” The property consists of two tracts: one is a 125.91-acre parcel already annexed into San Marcos, while the other is a 63.58-acre unzoned parcel requesting annexation. A public hearing for the proposed development will take place in May, according to city o cials.

San Marcos City Council heard the rst of sev- eral presentations relating to a possible data center coming to San Marcos at a Feb. 19 meeting. The overview City sta received a presentation regarding a request to amend the Preferred Scenario Map designation for approximately 200 acres of land on the western side of Francis Harris Lane, changing

FRANCIS HARRIS LN.

Tract 2

Tract 1

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Government

BY JAMIE MOORE

Hays County commissioners review food insecurity report

Food insecure residents A 2024 community food needs assessment by the Central Texas Food Bank found that 38,927 of Hays County's 241,067 residents are food insecure.

Food insecure survey responses A survey was conducted by the Central Texas Food Bank focusing on food insecurity in Hays County as a part of a community food needs assessment. No Yes

After a yearlong collaboration between the Hays County Health Department and the Central Texas Food Bank, or CTFB, the Hays County Commis- sioners received a presentation on a food needs assessment from CTFB at its Feb. 11 meeting. The overview The Hays County Community Food Needs Assessment found that the county has a 15.9% food insecurity rate and a 12.9% poverty rate. The report highlights that one in six Hays County residents experience food insecurity, with many more likely facing barriers to accessing aordable and nutritious food. Hays County has lower rates of food insecurity compared to Central Texas as a whole, despite having a slightly higher poverty rate. Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer said that seeing the data reect how many people are impacted by food insecurity in Hays County is pivotal.

Older Adults (60+) Children (Under 18)

5,071 10,728

Skipped or cut the size of meals

Relied on food assistance

Went hungry because food was too expensive

40%

42%

48%

Adults

23,128

60%

58%

52%

Household member with a chronic illness

Have a high school degree or less

Own a home

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT, U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

31%

51%

40%

“This is our rst step in trying to solve all these dierent problems and equations. ... No one in Hays County should go without a meal,” Hammer said.

69%

49%

60%

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & JAMIE MOORE

HCISD, SMCISD state performance reports released The Texas Education Agency recently released its annual Texas Academic Performance Reports, or TAPR, for school districts. Two-minute impact Per the latest available data in the report, between 2021-22 to 2022-23: HCISD, SMCISD 2024 STAAR scores The percentages represent reading, math, science, social studies, English I and II, algebra I, biology and U.S. history STAAR scores taken by students in third through 12th grades.

San Marcos CISD approves 2025 26 calendar The board of trustees approved the calendar during its Feb. 20 meeting. Dates to know • Aug. 13: rst day of school • Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving break • Dec. 22-Jan. 2: winter break • March 9-13: spring break • May 21: last day of school The approved calendar includes federal holidays such as: • Sept. 1: Labor Day • Oct. 13: Indigenous Peoples’ Day • Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day • Feb. 16: Presidents Day

Hays CISD San Marcos CISD

• Chronic absenteeism, or students missing 10% or more of school days, in HCISD dropped from 34.5% to 22.5%, while average student atten- dance increased from 90.5% to 92.8% • College, Career and Military Readiness grad- uation rates increased in both districts, from 57.3% to 80.3% in HCISD and 20.2% to 55.2% in SMCISD STAAR and end-of-course exam scores for 2023- 24 were also released in the reports. Per the TEA, “approaches grade level” and “meets grade level” is passing, but it indicates stu- dents may need future targeted academic support.

Approaches grade level Meets grade level Masters grade level

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

SOURCES: HAYS CISD, SAN MARCOS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The full TAPR can be viewed at www.hayscisd.net/accountability and www.smcisd.net/accountability.

Program supports local schools in combating fentanyl

“We need to get this information out to students ... because the more that they hear it ... the better likelihood they’re able to make those informed

Researchers at Texas State are utilizing a $1.87 million grant for the next ve years to strengthen the Fentanyl Education, Support, Training, and Awareness, or FESTA, program. FESTA helps local school districts in Hays County implement substance abuse education programs required by state law to combat fentanyl misuse and accidental poisonings.

Zooming in The program is conducting a needs assessment, developing and implementing an educational curriculum that includes a fentanyl component, hosting outreach events with communities in Hays County, and establishing a community advisory board that meets monthly.

decisions when they are given that opportunity to make a choice.” KELLY CLARY, FESTA PROJECT

DIRECTOR AND TEXAS STATE SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Now accepting requests! Kyle 3-1-1 is your one-stop contact for non-emergency city services. Whether you need to report a pothole, request utility connection, or get information about local events or city services, 3-1-1 is here for you! How It Works: 1. Dial 3-1-1, visit Kyle311.com, or download the mobile app. Dial 3-1-1, visit Kyle311.com, or download the mobile app. 2. Report issues, ask questions, make requests, and more. 3. Get fast, helpful responses from the City of Kyle!

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community Camp Guide

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ, SIERRA MARTIN & JAMIE MOORE

2025

Coach Z’s Basketball Junior Camp Type: sports Grades: Pre-K to second grade Dates: June 23-27 Cost: $265 • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.coachzbasketballcamps.com

San Marcos

Autism Camp Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: July 7-10, July 14-17, July 21-24, July 28-31 Costs: $150 • 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.hhp.txst.edu/collaboration-and-outreach/ autism-camp.html

Coach Z’s Basketball Training Session Camps Type: sports Grades: sixth-12th grade Dates: June 16-27 (various sessions) Cost: $54

Texas State Aquatic Science Adventure Camps Type: science, outdoor (day and overnight sessions) Ages: 6-14 Dates: Various sessions starting June 1-Aug. 8 Costs: $75 (half-day, ages 6-8); $500 (day, ages 9-14); $1,099 (overnight, ages 9-14) • 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.eardc.txst.edu/camp/session-schedule-main

Bobcat Theatre Camp Type: arts Grades: 10th grade-graduating seniors Dates: July 6-18 Cost: $1,400

• 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.coachzbasketballcamps.com

Discovery Camp Type: day, academic Ages: 5-10 Dates: June 9-Aug. 1 Costs: $150/week (residents), $175/week (non-residents)

• 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.sotdf.txst.edu/theatre/ summer-camps/texas-state-theatre-camp.html Coach Z’s Basketball Day Camp Type: sports Grades: third-eighth grade Dates: June 16-19 Cost: $207 (morning or afternoon camp); $413.50 (full day camp) • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.coachzbasketballcamps.com

• 801 MLK Drive, San Marcos • www.sanmarcostx.gov/camps

Math Camp (Jr. Half-Day) Type: academic Grades: third-eighth grade Dates: June 2-12 Cost: $400

Frazier Track and Field Camps Type: sports Grades: seventh-12th grade Dates: June 20-21 Cost: $318 • 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.fraziertrackandieldcamps.com Math Camp (Honors) Type: academic Grades: ninth-12th grade Dates: June 15-July 26 Cost: $6,600 • 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.txst.edu/mathworks/ camps/summer-math-camps-information.html

• 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.txst.edu/mathworks/camps/ summer-math-camps-information.html Math Camp (Jr. Residential) Type: academic Grades: sixth-eighth grade Dates: June 1-13 Cost: $2,000 • 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.txst.edu/mathworks/camps/ summer-math-camps-information.html

Coach Z’s Basketball Elite Camp Type: sports Grades: ninth-12th grade Dates: June 21-22 Cost: $79.50 • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.coachzbasketballcamps.com

CONTINUED ON 16

• • • Dinosaur Park, Cedar Creek It’s never too early to make plans for the summer! Sign up for Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club where your child will discover new things every day - and they’ll have a great time doing it. They’ll explore hands-on activities-like sports, robotics and more-that encourage them to think with creativity, compassion and resourcefulness. Fun for chil- dren in K-5th grade. Glass bottom boat tour, Meadows Center • Dinosaur Park, Cedar Creek • Glass bottom boat tour, Meadows Center • Inspired Minds Art Center, Buda Inspired Minds Art Center, Buda Club Sneak Peek where your child will discover new things every day —and they’ll have a great time doing it. They’ll explore hands -on activities — like sports, robotics and more — that encourage them to think with creativity, compassion and resourcefulness.

Primrose School of Kyle 145 Green Dragon Way, Kyle, TX 78748 737.351.7701 PrimroseKyle.com

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Community

Steve Holeman Soccer Full-Day Camp Type: sports Ages: 7-13 Dates: June 1-5, July 13-17 Cost: $360 • 1101 Academy St., San Marcos • https://steveholemansoccercamps.com Steve Holeman Soccer Half Day Lil Bobcat Camp Type: sports Ages: 4-6 Dates: June 1-5, July 13-17 Cost: $195 • 1101 Academy St., San Marcos • https://steveholemansoccercamps.com Steven Trout Baseball Camps Type: sports Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 23-26, July 7-10, July 21-24 Cost: $250 • 225 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • https://info.collegebaseballcamps.com/ steventroutbaseball Texas State University String Camp Type: arts Ages: 12-18 Dates: June 15-20 Cost: $500 (commuter); $725 (overnight) • 601 University Drive, San Marcos • www.music.txst.edu/stringcamp.html

CONTINUED FROM 15

Kyle

Ricci Woodard Softball Summer Elite Camp Type: sports Grades: starting seventh grade and up this fall Dates: June 9-11 Cost: $360-$485 • 351 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • https://ricciwoodardsoftballcamps.totalcamps.com Ricci Woodard Softball Youth Camp Type: sports Ages: 6-11 Dates: June 9-12 Cost: $260-$385 • 351 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • https://ricciwoodardsoftballcamps.totalcamps.com Summer Fun Program Type: day Ages: 7-13 Dates: June 9–Aug. 1 Costs: $40/week (residents), $63/week (non-residents) • TBD – located at one of the gyms in SMCISD • www.sanmarcostx.gov/camps Sean Huiet Volleyball All Skills Camp Type: sports Grades: fth-12th grade Dates: July 23-24 Cost: $315 • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.seanhuietvolleyballcamp.com Sean Huiet Volleyball Bobcat Experience Camp Type: sports Grades: fth-12th grade Dates: July 16-18 Cost: $525 (commuter); $577.50 (overnight) • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.seanhuietvolleyballcamp.com Sean Huiet Volleyball Elite Camp Type: sports Grades: eighth-12th grade Dates: July 19-20 Cost: $210 (one day only); $420 (commuter); $472.50 (overnight) • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.seanhuietvolleyballcamp.com Sean Huiet Volleyball Lil Bobcat Camp Type: sports Grades: K-fth grade Dates: July 14-16 Cost: $157.50 • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.seanhuietvolleyballcamp.com

Animal Kingdom Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: July 28-Aug. 1 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program Builders and Engineers Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: July 21-25 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program Color Wars Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: July 7-11 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program Corral Kids Camp Out Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: June 2-6 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program Full STEAM Ahead - The Goddard School of Kyle Type: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math Ages: 5-10 Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Costs: $230/week • Address: 870 Veterans Drive, Kyle • Website: https://tinyurl.com/2tcw43s4 Lights, Camera, ACTION Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: June 9-13 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program Night at the Museum Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: June 30-July 3 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program Space Expedition Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: July 14-18 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program

Buda

Inspired Minds Art Center Art + Science Camps Type: day, art Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Costs: $240-$295/week • 121 Main St., Buda • www.inspiredminds.art

Inspired Minds Art Center Creativity Labs Type: art Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 2 Costs: $160-$295 • 121 Main St., Buda • www.inspiredminds.art Inspired Minds Art Center Teen Art Intensives Type: art Ages: 9-18 Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Costs: $250-$310 • 121 Main St., Buda • www.inspiredminds.art Inspired Minds Art Center Theatre Camps Type: art Ages: 5-18 Dates: June 9-Aug. 1 Costs: $350-$550/week • 121 Main St., Buda • www.inspiredminds.art

Sean Huiet Volleyball Team Camp Type: sports Grades: ninth-12th grade Dates: July 16-27 Cost: $315 (commuter); $367.50 (overnight) • 106 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos • www.seanhuietvolleyballcamp.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ, SIERRA MARTIN & JAMIE MOORE

Buda

Kyle Summer Camp Type: day Grades: entering rst-fth grade (Voyager Youth Camp), entering sixth-ninth grade (Adventure Teen Camp) Dates: May 27-Aug. 1, (no camp week of July 4) Cost: $150 (weekly)

Ladybird Montessori Nature and Science Summer Camp Type: day Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 2-July 25

Costs: $300/week per child (8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.); $375/week per child (8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.); 10% discount available with registration for all seven weeks. • 2050 Cole Springs Road, Buda • www.budamontessori.com

• 4820 Jack C Hays Trail, Buda • www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/ page/kyle-summer-camp

Spirit Week Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: Aug. 4-7 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program

Wild, Wild West Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: June 23-27 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/summer-camp-program

Wimberley

projectART Wimberley 2025 Summer Camps Type: arts Grades: kindergarten through eighth grade (teen volunteer opportunities available) Dates: June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-Aug. 1 Cost: $375 tuition plus $25 materials fee (sustaining

Sports Mania Type: day Grades: kindergarten-fth grade Dates: June 9-13 Cost: $245 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle • www.rockinghorseacademy.com/ summer-camp-program

pARTners receive 50% o£ tuition) • 111 River Road, Ste. 100, Wimberley • www.projectartwimberley.org

This list is noncomprehensive.

CROSS TRAILS MINISTRY SUMMER CAMP 2025

CAMP CHRYSALIS EBERT RANCH CAMP

CROSS TRAILS MINISTRY SUMMER CAMP 2025

FAITH-FILLED FUN IN THE HILL COUNTRY FOR GRADES 2-11 &FAMILIES

FAITH-FILLED FUN IN THE HILL COUNTRY FOR GRADES 2-11 AND FAMILIES

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Water shortage sparks action From the cover

What are the options?

In case you missed it

One mitigation strategy includes continuing to expand the Alliance Regional Water Authority project, which involves the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer and Carrizo Water Treatment Plant, according to a city news release. Paul Kite, assistant director of utilities for water and wastewater in San Marcos, said the ARWA partnership signi cantly helps the city and will provide additional water resources in the future. ARWA expansions will be done in phases and are expected to provide around 27.01 ac-ft more per day by 2040, according to the Jan. 21 City Council pre- sentation. Additionally, the Canyon Regional Water Authority, through the Hays Caldwell Treatment Plant, is set to contribute 3.59 ac-ft per day by 2025. San Marcos Utilities Director Tyler Hjorth noted that the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority is exploring seawater desalination. If new water supplies are not secured, the city plans to expand nonpotable and potable recycled water use.

However, after updated population projections, San Marcos now anticipates requiring 102.8 ac-ft per day by 2075, according to San Marcos Utilities Director Tyler Hjorth’s update at a City Council work session Jan. 21. With the new projections, the amount of water residents would need could exceed the city’s supply by 2050.

San Marcos ocials are working to expand water sources and prioritize conservation to accommodate future growth. The city’s population is projected to reach 303,000 by 2075—an increase of 115,000 from the last projections in the 2017 State Water Plan. In the 2017 plan, San Marcos was projected to have enough water supply to meet the demand of 57.38 acre-feet, or ac-ft, per day.

Projected population

Projected population in 2026 Draft Regional Water Plan

300K 400K 100K 200K

+123.23%

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

2080

San Marcos' current sources of water per day

Projected water demand

CRWA, San Marcos River: 3.7 ac-ft ARWA, Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer: 7.4 ac-ft Edwards Aquifer: 14.9 ac-ft GBRA, Canyon Lake: 27.3 ac-ft

Projected demand in 2026 Draft Regional Water Plan

20,386 existing supply

30K 40K 10K 20K

NOTE: THE VALUES ABOVE WERE CONVERTED TO ACREFEET PER DAY FROM MILLION GALLONS PER DAY

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

2080

Total: 53.3 ac-ft

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JAMIE MOORE

Projected municipal water needs by county in 2070 By 2070, several counties in Central Texas are projected to require signicantly more municipal water.

Legislative approach

Acre-feet per year:

State legislators are working on solutions to support water infrastructure across the state. Sen. Charles Perry is pushing for $5 billion to help local utilities purchase more water and upgrade infrastructure, with an additional $1 billion annually for the state water fund, accord- ing to previous reporting by Community Impact . However, some believe that current state legislation may be exacerbating water infrastruc- ture problems. Virginia Parker, executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation, is particularly con- cerned about Senate Bill 2038, which took eect in September 2023. The bill allows properties in a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction to opt out of city authority through a petition or election. Parker argues that developments leaving a city’s ETJ could face less stringent water regulations.

<1,000

1,000-25,000

25,000-100,000

>100,000

Williamson County

Travis County

Bastrop County

Hays County

Comal County

Bexar County

NOTE: THIS MAP DOES NOT REFLECT THE DEMANDS OF THE UPDATED PROJECTED POPULATION THAT WAS PRESENTED AT CITY COUNCIL.

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD COMMUNITY IMPACT

Going forward

San Marcos’ comprehensive approach to meet state supply targets beyond 2075:

Expansion of ARWA projects by 2027 and recycled water applications, both potable and nonpotable

To support conservation, the city oers various water rebate programs, including rebates for rainwater harvesting and irrigation system upgrades. Rainwater harvesting can help collect water for outdoor plants. Robert Mace, executive director of the Meadows Center, said that conservation may mean having more e¢cient toilets and bathroom xtures, or watering as e¢ciently as possible outdoors.

Along with diversifying water resources, San Marcos is prioritizing conservation eorts. Since Oct. 27, San Marcos has been under Stage 3 drought restrictions—the highest available status, which will remain in eect indenitely. Under Stage 3, activities such as at-home car washing, lling decorative water features, lling swimming pools and washing impervious surfaces are prohibited. There are also restrictions on irrigation, according to the city website.

Ongoing eorts to increase water conservation and optimize usage

Pursuing new water supplies as needed

Continuous monitoring of water consumption trends and infrastructure

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY JAMIE MOORE

Kyle narrows down S. Goforth Road renaming Kyle City Council directed city sta at its March 4 meeting to create a survey allowing residents to vote on a new name for South Goforth Road inspired by one of three inuential Kyle gures: Paula Alvarez, Chevo Pastrano Sr. and Becky Selbera. Digging deeper Alvarez is one of the rst Hispanic women to be elected to the Kyle City Council, according to council member Robert Rizo. Council member Marc McKinney highlighted that Alvarez and her family still reside in Kyle, and they have lived in the city long enough that their home had to be moved to make way for the construction of I-35. Pastrano Sr. was suggested by Mayor Travis Mitchell, who said Pastrano served as a council member from 1986 to 2001, putting him in the running for the longest-serving council member in

Kyle City Council begins design of nature park Kyle City Council ocially started their rst steps toward the creation of a new nature park. The council unanimously approved an agreement with Mesa Design Group Inc. for master planning design services of a Lake Kensington nature park for an amount of around $611,000, signaling the rst steps toward the creation of the park. Zooming in Lake Kensington Park is anticipated to be a premier nature park and is slated to be located on 105 acres at 2400 Dacy Lane with a budget of $17 million. The design process, according to the City Council presentation, includes: • Contract for preliminary engineering report • Begin surveys and geotechnical report • Begin public input process

San Marcos launches parking surveys San Marcos sta is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to participate in two surveys launched the week of Feb. 17, providing insight into how the community experiences downtown parking. The overview The surveys, open until April 18, aim to guide decisions that enhance accessibility, eciency and convenience. One survey targets residents and visitors, while the other is for business owners and employees. According to a news release, survey feedback will help city sta explore parking management strategies, including the possi- bility of paid parking. The surveys can be accessed at

Buda approves permit for new 4-story hotel Buda City Council approved a request 6-1 for a Special Use Permit to allow a new hotel to be built at 15800 N. I-35 frontage road. The overview The proposed four story hotel would be dual-branded, featuring SpringHill Suites on one side of the lobby and TownePlace Suites on the other, according to city agenda documents.

New road construction

GOFORTH RD.

157

• Bring two to three concept designs to the Park Board and Council for feedback and approval • Bring full construction design contract to City Council for consideration A timeline for the design process has not yet been dened. “I’ve always counted the initial design, the major design contract, the start of a project, and so ocially, in my opinion, that [unanimous approval vote] right there is the start of the Lake Kensington nature park. ... I’m very excited to be a part of that vote,” Mayor Travis Mitchell said.

150

158

S. GOFORTH RD.

110

the history of Kyle. Selbera was suggested because she served on council from 2002 to 2017, according to Mitchell, during a time that “the city of Kyle transformed.”

www.sanmarcostx.gov/ 3008/Downtown-Parking.

W. GOFORTH RD.

SAN MARCOS 510 Barnes Dr (512) 392-0366

CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969

SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Rd S (512) 280-7400

NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: An El Paso Refuge CRITTER: American Bumblebee OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas

MADE IN TEXAS: A Leathermaking Legacy FEATURE PREVIEW: Where to Eat Now

Above: The Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

DETOURS

A Tribal Sanctuary On a Sacred Trail

Location: eleven miles southeast of downtown El Paso. BY JOSH ALVAREZ

CRITTER

American Bumblebee

The bumblebee does something most bees don't: buzz pollination, which involves gripping the plant with its legs and vibrating its whole body. If you eat blueberries, potatoes, or tomatoes— all of which rely on buzz pollination— you’ve got a bumblebee to thank. WHY IS IT SO BIG? The better to collect all that sweet pollen to feed its young. That fuzz is actually densely packed hairs, or setae, that trap pollen as the bumblebee floats from flower to flower. Its large body likely evolved to provide even more surface area.

DOES IT STING? Only if you mess with its nest.

HOW MANY SPECIES ARE THERE? Texas has between seven and eleven types. The most common is the American bumblebee, found statewide. North Texans might spot the brown-belted bumblebee, while those in the west are likely to see the Sonoran variant. The gentle giant is in trouble, though: Since 1974, popula- tions across North America have fallen by 46 percent. SCIENTISTS KEEP TABS, RIGHT? Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of several Texas orga- nizations partnering with Jacqueline Staab, the owner of Darwin’s Bee Dogs. Her German shorthaired pointers are trained to sni out bumblebee nests for population surveys. “If we lose bees,” says Staab, “we lose Texas ecosystems.” —Rose Cahalan

INSIDE THE ADOBE walls of the Ysleta Mis- sion are clues to a deep history of acculturation that characterizes El Paso to this day. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe, more commonly known as the Tigua, established the mission in 1682, making it one of the oldest in Texas (much of the current structure was built in 1851). The Tigua arrivedherefromNewMexico,whichtheyfled after the Pueblo Indians there overthrew the

Spanish colonial system, in 1680, forcing Span- iards and Christianized Pueblos to seek safety elsewhere. The Tigua dedicated the mission to Anthony of Padua, patron saint of things that have been lost, whose figure stands atop the entrance; inside are blankets dyed in brilliant blues and reds and a statue of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Catholic Church’s first Native American saint. The structure, part of the El Paso Mission Trail, holds a mass every day. If you can, plan your visit for June 13, when the Tigua celebrate Saint Anthony with traditional dancing.

The church interior at the Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

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