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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 9 JAN. 28FEB. 24, 2025
2025 Health & Wellness Edition
Development drives recreation
Cody Schrank, senior associate director in the Department of Campus Recreation at Baylor University, kayaks against the rapids at Rio Vista Park in San Marcos.
AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The overview Hays County’s 2020 parks bond has led to over 2,700 acres of parkland being improved or purchased. INSIDE 22
San Marcos City ocials are focused on preserving parks and open spaces for conservation. INSIDE 23
Kyle Developers and local leaders are working together to expand Kyle’s trail and park system. INSIDE 24
Buda The city is making progress with its 2021 bond package that supports trail system expansion. INSIDE 25
Also in this issue
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INSIDE
17
Impacts: The Old Mill celebrates 100 years in San Marcos (Page 7)
Education: Read about Texas State’s plans to grow to 50,000 students (Page 13)
Your superpower? Knowing where to go in an emergency. 24/7 emergency care, right here in Buda. Be a h ER o
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Located in one of the fastest growing suburbs South of Austin , Crosswinds in Kyle is centered around Windy Point Amenity Center, where neighbors gather for Pickle Ball , Swimming or just relaxing in the Covered Pavilion . Younger residents can let out their energy at the Play- ground while furry friends run in the Dog Park! MASTER-PLANNED LIVING FROM THE $300s Breeze Life’s a
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PACESETTER HOMES • MILESTONE COMMUNITY BUILDERS BRIGHTLAND HOMES • HIGHLAND HOMES PERRY HOMES • PULTE HOMES
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
DISCOVERYOUR DREAMHOME
at 6 Creeks in Kyle STARTINGINTHEs
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On the west side of Kyle, 6 Creeks features beautiful oak trees and fun amenities. Enjoy access to Austin, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and San Marcos in less than 30 minutes!
FIND YOUR HOME
EXACTLYWHEREYOU WANTTOBE
at Crosswinds in Kyle STARTINGINTHEs FINALOPPORTUNITIES
Crosswinds is located just over 2 miles east ofI-35 in Kyle with quick access to 130 and 45 Tolls. The community features a pool, playground, dog park, basketball and pickleball courts.
FIND YOUR HOME
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About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Account Executive Adrian Martinez Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer
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2025 Sports League Calendar
Start/End
Registration Coach Meet ing
Kickball Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
Pickleball Tournament 1 Tournament 2
1/1 - 2/21 3/17 - 6/13 7/7 - 9/19 1/1 - 2/21 3/17 - 6/13 7/7 - 9/19 1/1 - 2/21 3/17 - 6/13 7/7 - 9/19
2/27 6/18 9/24 2/27 5/18 9/24 2/27 5/18 9/24
3/3 - 5/9 6/23 - 8/29 9/29 - 12/5
4/2 7/19
2/17 - 4/7 5/17 - 7/14
CoEd Softball Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
SPRING BREAK CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
3/4 - 5/13 6/24 - 9/2 9/30 - 12/9 3/6 - 5/17 6/26 - 9/4 10/2 - 12/11
Men’s Softball Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
To Register, visit kylerec.recdesk.com or scan the QR code!
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
BLANCO RIVER
Impacts
• Opened Dec. 5 • 111 Staples Road, San Marcos • www.mipatronmexicanrestaurant.com
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San Marcos
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AQUARENA SPRINGS DR.
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6 CBD Hemp + Smoke The shop sells a variety of CBD, Delta 8, Delta 9 and
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UHLAND RD.
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nicotine products. • Opened Oct. 14 • 4435 Hwy. 123, Ste. 208, San Marcos • Instagram: cbdhempnsmoke
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7 Lab C Food Kitchen Locally owned by Gilbert Bui, Lab C Food Kitchen specializes in Vietnamese cuisine. • Opened Dec. 13 • 200 Springtown Way, Ste. 124, San Marcos • www.labcsanmarcos.com 8 myDental The Austin-based dentist oers Invisalign, oral surgery, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. • Opened Dec. 2 • 1430 N. I-35, Ste. 114, San Marcos • www.mydental.com 9 Bayle’s Andrew Ray and Sheldon Catley opened the bar in honor of Bayle Bucceri, a former Texas State University student who died in 2022. • Opened Dec. 7 • 130 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos • Instagram: baylessmtx 10 Patos The Taco Shop The Mexican restaurant serves tacos, burgers, soups, enchiladas, desserts and more. • Opened Jan. 6 • 700 N. LBJ Drive, Ste. 102-B, San Marcos • 512-216-6018
WONDER WORLD DR.
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N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
3 BB Liquor The locally owned business sells liquor and cigars. • Opened Nov. 1 • 4435 Hwy. 123, Ste. 206, San Marcos • 512-210-8672 4 Austin Retina Eye Associates The ophthalmologist oers retinal treatments. • Opened Dec. 18 • 220 Opportunity Blvd., Unit 2A, San Marcos • www.austinretina.com 5 Mi Patron The family-owned Mexican restaurant serves breakfast plates, sandwiches, hamburgers, chalupas and tacos.
Now open
1 Himalayan Nepalese & Indian Cuisine The food truck—owned by Jeevan Bhattarai—serves tikki masala, palak paneer and coconut curry. • Opened Dec. 19 • 115 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos • Facebook: Himalayan Nepalese & Indian Cuisine 2 Bobcat Beverage Mart The convenience store oers snacks and drinks. • Opened Nov. 18
Coming soon
• 1547 Post Road, San Marcos • Not available at this time.
11 Sunz Tanning The business will oer spray tans, UV tans and more.
RICK COFER HAYS COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE
RICKCOFER.COM • PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 602 W. 11 TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & SARAH HERNANDEZ
• Opening end of January • 1515 Aquarena Springs Drive, Ste. 105, San Marcos • www.sunztanning.com 12 SipIT The franchise will oer daiquiris and margaritas to-go. • Opening end of January • 1515 Aquarena Springs Drive, Ste. 104, San Marcos • www.drinksipit.com
Now open
In the news
In the news
13 The Taproom The pub celebrated its 30th anniversary in December. • 129 E. Hopkins St., Ste. 120, San Marcos • www.taproomsanmarcos.com
15 Books-AMillion Books-A-Million sells a wide range of £ction and non-£ction books as well as magazines and collectibles. The bookstore also sells workbooks, study Bibles, calendars and gift items. The company has 260 stores across 32 states. • Opened Dec. 7 • 3939 S. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 213, San Marcos • www.booksamillion.com
16 The Old Mill The property—owned by Henry and Marian Oles—is one of the most historic commercial properties in the area. The Old Mill celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 6. The Old Mill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of Interior, the news release states.
Closings
14 Torchy’s Tacos The Tex-Mex restaurant chose not to renew its lease but hopes to look for new locations in the San Marcos area. • Closed fall 2024 • 301 N. Guadalupe St., Ste. 194, San Marcos • www.torchystacos.com
• 101 Uhland Road, San Marcos • www.oldmillproperties.com
Your Texas property tax experts, helping you lower your property tax bill for 36 years
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Impacts
4 Edgy Nails 512 Owned by Lauren Valdez, the beauty salon oers a variety of nail services including gel manicures and pedicures, acrylics, nail art and more. • Opened Nov. 12 • 3195 FM 2001, Ste. IA, Buda • Instagram: edgynails512 Lightspeed Restoration of Austin The family-owned business provides water and re damage restoration, disaster recovery and air duct cleaning. • Opened Jan. 1 • www.lightspeedrestoration.com/austin-tx 5 ProSource of South Austin The store oers ooring, cabinets, countertops and more for trade professionals and homeowners. • Opened Dec. 10 • 250 Chula Hill Drive, Kyle • www.prosourcewholesale.com/ showrooms/tx-prosource-of-south-austin
OLD SAN ANTONIO RD.
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ORCHARD HILL TRL.
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HAZY SUNSHINE WAY
GATEWAY BLVD.
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CHULA HILL DR.
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WINDY HILL RD.
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150
10
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WETZEL
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Coming soon
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6 Starsh Nail Bar The salon is owned by Kyle locals Trang Phan Davenport, who goes by Jenny, and her husband Tony Davenport. Starsh Nail Bar will oer manicures, pedicures, waxes, nail enhancements and nail art.
Kyle
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N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
• Opening in late January • 400 Wetzel, Ste. B, Kyle • www.starishnailbar.com
• Opened Dec. 20 • 14750 Camino Real, Kyle • Facebook: La Bonita Mexican Restaurant
Now open
1 Crunch Fitness The gym oers a variety of workout equipment, classes and personal training to its members. • Opened Dec. 4
7 Jimmy John’s The sandwich chain oers a variety of sandwich and wrap options, and sides like chips and salad.
3 Frost Kyle Financial Center The new center oers an array of nancial services for consumer and business customers. Bankers will assist customers with account questions and more, according
• Opening in May 2025 • 5200 S. FM 1626, Kyle • www.jimmyjohns.com
• 19167 I-35 frontage road, Kyle • www.crunch.com/locations/kyle
to a news release. • Opened Dec. 16
• 19019 I-35 frontage road, Kyle • https://locations.frostbank.com/ kyle/19019-interstate-35
2 La Bonita Bar & Club The Mexican restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner including huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, tacos, burgers and more. The business also includes a full bar and pool tables.
8 Roxie’s The owner of The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood will open a new concept inspired by his grandmother, Roxanne, and her recipes. Roxie’s, a family-style dining spot, will open
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & SARAH HERNANDEZ
at Buda Mill & Grain Co. • Opening this spring • 308 Main St., Buda • Instagram: roxiesbuda
Now open
In the news
9 Kyle Nutrition The business will oer healthy shakes, energy teas and coee, smoothies bowls, protein snacks and more.
• Slated to open in mid-January • 1501 Bunton Creek Road, Kyle • Instagram: kylenutrition
In the news
10 EVO Entertainment The venue celebrated its 10th anniversary in November. EVO Entertainment features movie theaters, event spaces, bowling lanes, a restaurant and bar, and an arcade. • 3200 Kyle Crossing, Kyle • www.evo.co/venueinfo/Kyle
12 Buda Veterinary Care The new animal hospital specializes in providing patient care that eliminates stress for animals and pet owners. Services oered include wellness exams, spay and neuter, dental care, senior wellness, grooming and more. • Opened Dec. 10 • 835 Main St., Bldg. 1, Buda • www.budavetcare.com
13 GRGT Fitness Owned by certied personal trainer Jeremy Jacobs, Get Right, Get Tight Fitness will celebrate its 5th anniversary in February. Jacobs opened the business out of his garage in 2020 and said he has enhanced the space with new equipment throughout the years. GRGT Fitness oers personal and group training, body composition training,
11 Mavericks Dance Hall The dance hall and live music venue celebrated its
injury rehabilitation and more. • 180 Hazy Sunshine Way, Buda • Facebook: Get Right, Get Tight Fitness
5th anniversary in late November. • 275 Old San Antonio Road, Buda • www.mavericksdancehall.com
sun the @ fun
page to check out our Resident Events! Visit our Facebook
New Lakeside Lazy River Amenity Center Opening Soon!
Just 15 minutes south of downtown Austin, Sunfield offers endless ways to have fun in your own backyard! Enjoy the miles of hike and bike trails , catch and release ponds , the dog parks or our two spectacular Amenity Centers including Swimming Pools , a Lazy River and plenty of shade!
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CASTLEROCK • CENTEX • CHESMAR HOMES • DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES BRIGHTLAND HOMES • PULTE HOMES • TAYLOR MORRISON
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Government
Hays County approves $79K funding agreement Hays County commissioners approved a professional services agreement with Broaddus & Associates Inc. on Dec. 17 for project management services for a county Pet Resource, Education and Research Center. What it means The consultant will be responsible for nding land, meeting with stakeholders, de ning poten- tial options for a collaborative or stand-alone pet resource center and de ning facility requirements. Broaddus & Associates Inc. will then present the options to the court for nal review and project implementation, according to agenda documents. Some background Hays County and Austin Pets Alive! have been working together to build a pet resource center since 2023. Final recommendations for a possible
Buda expands senior transit program Buda City Council adopted a resolution Jan. 7 that will expand the city’s transpor- tation program, Seniors Taking A Ride, also known as STAR. What you need to know The STAR program will begin serving residents living in Buda’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, in February, Public Information Ocer Michelle Henley told Community Impact . The program’s expansion is due to requests from residents living in the city’s ETJ. “There really aren’t any regional public transportation options available for our residents either, so it’s an area where we can ll in the gap to serve our community,” Henley said.
Breaking down the cost Funding is based on a historical caseload average allocation, according to the agreement.
Municipality Cost sharing allocation Hays County $73,214
Kyle San Marcos
$3,608 $2,330
SOURCE: HAYS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
brick-and-mortar pet resource center were presented to the court in March; the center has since remained a virtual resource for pet owners in
Hays County. The timeline
The work is anticipated to be completed within six months of commencement date. If Broaddus & Associates Inc. is unable to complete the work dictated by the contract, then they will need to request an extension, according to the agreement.
Council OKs funding for human services agencies San Marcos City Council approved allocating $550,000 in Human Services Grant funding to several local agencies Jan. 7. After receiving a presentation on funding rec-
Human Services Grant funding allocation
addressing domestic abuse. The remaining funds were distributed among agencies focused on emergency assistance, education and life skills, mental health, and other services, according to agenda documents. Zooming in Council members discussed concerns that HSAB didn’t have enough funding this year.
Food: $ 144,000
Domestic Abuse: $127,000
Emergency assistance: $94,000
Mental health: $46,000
Education and life skills: $43,000
ommendations from the Human Services Advisory Board, the council voted to fund 23 local human services agencies. HSAB’s recommendations allocated $144,000 to food-focused agencies and $127,000 to agencies
Disabilities: $30,000
Substance abuse: $27,500 Homelessness: $20,000 Community center: $18,000
Total: $550,000
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
RESIDENCES NOW LEASING
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN, ELISABETH JIMENEZ & JAMIE MOORE
County backs mental health program The Hays County Commissioners Court approved letters of support on Jan. 7 for a jail-based competency restoration program. The overview County ocials said the new JBCR pro- gram would address issues with pretrial wait times for inmates with mental health issues and developmental disabilities. The aim of the new program is to provide an understanding of the judicial system through treatment and therapy to inmates, preparing them to work with their attorney and defend their case, according to a news release. Approval of the letters of support marks “the rst step” in establishing the jail-based competency program, the news release states.
Parking lot projects see movement in Kyle
The parking lots at Waterleaf and Steeplechase Parks are getting a makeover. Kyle City Council unanimously approved a $266,600 task order with HDR Engineering, Inc. to fully design four parking lots at each of the afore- mentioned parks Jan. 7. City sta will also look into the cost of adding electric vehicle charging stations. The details The parking lots will be built at the existing Steeplechase Park playground/splash pad, basketball court and dog park parking lots. Two of those lots will be built with a permeable design, and the third one will be built using asphalt. The fourth parking lot will be built at Waterleaf Park’s Abundance Lane using asphalt. All parking lots are currently not ADA compliant and lack sidewalks and lighting, according to agenda documents. Waterleaf Park will receive a total of 57 parking spaces and Steeplechase Park will receive a total of
STEEPLECHASE PARK
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122 parking spaces, according to agenda documents. What they’re saying Council member Miguel Zuniga said he was happy to see the city investing in parks on Kyle’s east side and that the improved parking lot and additional street lighting would provide better security for residents to enjoy those parks.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Education
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Hays CISD explores aordable housing
Hays CISD ocials review bond package A $986 million bond package with ve propositions could go before Hays CISD voters in May. The board of trustees reviewed each proposition during a special meeting Jan. 15. The board must call for the bond by Feb. 14 in order to have a May election.
Before breaking ground on the community, the process includes:
Collaborating with district ocials and the bond, nancial and legal counsel Hosting a Q&A session and survey to address questions and concerns Exploring various options for house plans, including the build site, unit congurations, interior designs and amenities Presenting stakeholders with nalized plans, projected timelines and expected benets Drafting a comprehensive lease agreement with mutually agreed-upon terms and conditions
Hays CISD employees could be able to rent aordable housing in the future, with trustees looking into options from home developer Upward Communities. Upward Communities co-founder and CEO Jason Roberts presented preliminary plans for the development at a Dec. 16 board of trustees meeting. Breaking it down Roberts said the community could consist of several hundred four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes with amenities such as porches, pools and garages. Rent could come in at $2,000 a month or less. The project is intended to target the rising cost of living, Roberts said, and would be available to “anybody who has a paycheck” in the district. Superintendent Eric Wright said the develop- ment could help retain teachers. HCISD’s yearly
The recommended propositions are:
Proposition A, $469.5M: addresses general growth, safety and rehabilitation of facilities. Proposition B, $372.5M: focuses on the base model of high school No. 4, which would aim to open in the 2029-30 school year. Proposition C, $51.9M: expand the capacity of high school No. 4 to 2,800 students. Proposition D, $75.8M: includes projects for ne arts and athletics. Proposition E, $16.2M: focuses on technology
SOURCE: HAYS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
teacher attrition rate is 6.6%, or about 115 teachers. However, demographer reports show the district is projected to add anywhere from 1,000 to 1,100 new students each year. Roberts said the company will bring forward three potential site locations in Hays County.
SOURCE: HAYS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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Education
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Texas State plans for 50k student enrollment
Enrollment growth
Total enrollment
San Marcos campus
Round Rock campus
0 10k 20k 30k 40k 50k 60k
+31%
50K 40K
34,225
1,153 33,072
10K
Texas State University is preparing for future growth with a new proposed campus master plan
for 2025-2035. The overview
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
2026
2028
2030
2032
2034
SOURCE: TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY IMPACT
The plan shows Texas State’s total enrollment is projected to increase by 31% between 2022-2033. The proposed plan reimagines Spring Lake, Sewell Park, The Ponds & Chautauqua Hall. It also calls for signicant recapitalization of existing infrastructure—which means the university will be taking any aged, existing buildings and renovating them, said Dan Costello, Texas State’s associate vice president of facilities.
educate at least 60% of Texans in some sort of post-secondary degree, which would require every institution of higher education in the state to double in size—including community colleges. He said the university’s primary focus is to grow its Round Rock Campus, create more partnerships with community colleges and grow online. The proposed plan will go to the Texas State University System board of regents for approval in February.
Digging deeper Gordon Bohmfalk, Texas State’s architect and director of facilities, said they plan to build three additional parking garages. However, the number of parking spaces and parking garage stories remain uncertain. Eric Algoe, executive vice president for oper- ations and chief nancial ocer, said the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s goal is to
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
TxDOT ocials announce 1st of long-term closures The Texas Department of Transportation has announced the rst extended road closure along I-35 in Austin. What you need to know The northbound I-35 bypass at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard closed Dec. 2, remaining closed to trac through early 2025, according to an announcement made by the agency on
Contract OK’d for mobility improvement Buda City Council approved a $585,130 contract with Jerdon Enterprise, L.P. for an interim solution to the Main Street East Extension Project on Nov. 6. The Main Street East Extension Project includes widening the existing roadway to two lanes in each direction, according to the city’s bond website. What you need to know The project looks to alleviate trac congestion at I-35 and Main Street.
CLYDE LITTLEFIELD DR.
Northbound detour
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remove the upper decks, according to TxDOT’s managing engineer Tucker Ferguson. Crews have also begun work to reconstruct and widen the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge. Looking ahead The next segment of construction is scheduled to begin near Lady Bird Lake in early 2025. While construction won’t be complete until 2033, TxDOT sta have indicated that the large project is broken into smaller “more manageable” contracts, Ferguson said.
social media. Some context
TxDOT broke ground on its $4.5 billion I-35 Cap- ital Express Central infrastructure project Oct. 30, which will see the construction of two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle lanes stretching roughly 8 miles from Hwy. 290 down to Hwy. 71. The highway project will lower the main lanes from Airport Boulevard to Lady Bird Lake and
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Real estate
Data compiled by the Four Rivers Association of Realtors shows home sales have increased by about 25% in Kyle in November year over year. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
Average home price in the last 6 months
-17.35%
+25.32%
-4.29%
78666 $402,908
78640 $363,240
November 2023
November 2024
78610 $402,479
78666
78640
78610
78610
78640
21
Median home sales price
78132 35
78666
November
2023
2024
$347,825
$349,620
78666
N
$329,815
$320,000
78640
Homes sold by price point
$393,564
$369,545
November 2024
78610
0
$1 million+
6
$750,000-$999,999
Number of homes under contract
Average days on the market
43
$500,000-$749,999
+17.39%
+27.56%
0%
-17.70%
-6.49%
+20.55%
184
$300,000-$499,999
108
<$299,999
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 8306256954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM
78666
78640
78610
78666
78640
78610
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2025
In this inaugural Health & Wellness Edition, you can learn more about the parks and trail initiatives in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. Our reporters have discussed how outdoor recreation can be a focal point of healthy living. Also in this edition, you will nd stories on mental health retreats, local recreational events, and suggestions for a healthy lifestyle. We’ve got you covered from head to toe! Local advertisers share useful information on health and wellness services they oer, too. Be well in 2025!
Premium sponsors:
Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com
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Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Buda BSWHealth.com/Buda 737.999.6200 The power to live better.
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Check out a list of trails in the Hays County area (Page 20)
Learn about a local retreat that teaches meditation (Page 27)
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Learn about basic health screening guidelines for men and women Screenings for cancer and chronic diseases are one of the main roles of primary care physicians, said Mariel Swinney Bagley, a family medicine physician at Christus Trinity Clinic in San Marcos. The details Primary care physicians recommend various screening tests based on age; sex; family history; comorbid conditions, such as obesity and diabetes; and environmental risk factors, such as smoking. “An appointment with a primary care provider can identify your personal risk factors and what you should be screened for,” Bagley said in an email to Community Impact . “Di erent societies might have slightly di erent recommendations and guidelines, and selecting the best test and testing interval for your individualized risk factors is where your
A guide for common screenings
Disease Screening test Abdominal aortic aneurysm Men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked Abdominal ultrasound Breast cancer Women age 40+ Annual mammogram Population
Pap smear every 3 years (ages 21-29); with HPV co-testing every 5 years (ages 30-65) Colonoscopy every 10 years (preferred) or Cologuard every 3 years A1c or fasting glucose blood testing annually
Cervical cancer
Women ages 21-65
Colon cancer
Adults age 45+
Adults ages 35 to 65 with obesity or overweight
Diabetes or prediabetes
Hepatitis C
Adults age 18+
Hepatitis C blood testing
HIV
Adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65 HIV blood testing
Adults ages 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack per year smoking history Postmenopausal women age 65+
Lung cancer
Low-dose lung CT annually
Osteoporosis
DEXA bone density study
SOURCE: CHRISTUS TRINITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
“It is important to keep in mind that screening is for asymptomatic individuals, and anyone with symptoms of cancer or a chronic disease should be seen by a primary care provider for specic testing as soon as possible,” Bagley noted.
primary care physician can guide you.” Digging deeper
Numerous types of basic health screenings are available; however, there are more advanced and nuanced guidelines for certain populations.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health & wellness
BY HANNAH NORTON
Lawmakers seek ‘innovative’ health options as 5 million Texans uninsured
High health care costs
68%
Nearly half of Texans have employer- sponsored health insurance.
About 68% of Texas’ 3.2 million small businesses do not oer health coverage for their employees.
Services Committee. Sen. Charles Perry, RLubbock, said giving people the true costs of medical ser- vices—“the needle, the doctor, the electricity and the bed”—could help lower insurance premiums. “It’s really frustrating to talk about health insurance costs when the cost is made up of some- thing that reects no sense of reality,” Perry said. “There’s no incentive for insurance companies to pay less, and the system of health care delivery we have today demands the lack of transparency for it to work.” In a Dec. 10 report, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee said lawmakers should look into ways to increase “innovative, alternative” coverage options and consider requir- ing insurance providers to publicly list their prices. One more thing Texas is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, a state- and federally funded program that provides health coverage to certain low-in- come people. Texans can qualify for Medicaid based on a combination of factors, including income, household size, pregnancy or disability status and age. In states with expanded Medicaid, residents can qualify based on income alone, according to the federal government. About 750,000 Texans are in the “coverage gap,” according to policy nonprot Texas 2036, meaning they make too much money to qualify for Medic- aid and too little to receive subsidized coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. It would cost the state about $700 million per year to expand Medicaid, said Eva DeLuna Castro,
About 5 million Texans, or 16.4% of the state population, did not have health insurance in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Texas’ uninsured rate was higher than any other state and more than twice the national rate of 7.9% . “Texas leads the nation in a lot of good ways, but this is one of those things we don’t want to be leading the nation in,” said Annie Spilman, execu- tive director of Texans for Aordable Healthcare. The big picture For three years in a row, Texas health insurance premiums have increased by over 5% annually , according to the Texas Association of Health Plans, a trade association representing insurers. “The last several years, we’ve had the Legisla- ture adding a lot more requirements—what we call mandates—to health insurance that go above … the federal requirements,” said Blake Hutson, director of public aairs for the Texas Association of Health Plans. “Employers, who do provide the bulk of coverage in the state, are just increasingly facing higher and higher costs.” Texas has the third most health care mandates in the nation, according to Texans for Aordable Healthcare. Recent state mandates have limited the types of health coverage small businesses can oer, barred certain insurance providers from directing patients to mail-order pharmacies and more. Zooming in A lack of transparency is driving high health insurance costs, senators said during a May 14 hearing of the Texas Senate Health and Human
On average, Texas families pay $7,500 in annual employer-sponsored insurance premiums, while employers pay $15,000 per employee.
SOURCES: TEXICARE, TEXAS 2036 COMMUNITY IMPACT
Where to get help Uninsured Texans can visit 75 federally qualied health centers across 127 counties, which oer medical care regardless of insurance coverage or a patient’s ability to pay. Other options for people without health insurance include: Texas’ Primary Health Care Program Provides primary care services at clinics across the state Healthy Texas Women Oers free women’s health and family planning services The Texas HIV Medication Program Helps low-income Texans access medications to treat HIV and related complications
SOURCE: TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION COMMUNITY IMPACT
a budget analyst in the oce of Rep. Donna Howard, DAustin. Texas would also receive about $7 billion in federal Medicaid funding, DeLuna Castro estimated.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Health & wellness
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ
Trail guide With its scenic views of the Texas Hill Country and various ecological environments, Hays County has a multitude of areas available for hiking, biking, nature exploration and more. Here are some to check out around San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. This list is not comprehensive.
Length: 1 mile Trail type: Hiking, biking • 4440 Old Stagecoach Road, San Marcos • www.hayscountytx.gov/ive-mile-dam-park Ringtail Ridge Natural Area Located in northeastern San Marcos, this 45-acre area includes two trails. According to the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, Ringtail Ridge’s stock ponds o er unique bird and bug walks. Length: About 3 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking
San Marcos
Historic Stagecoach Park Buda’s 51-acre park includes a loop o ering views of large trees and occasional wildlife. Length: About 1 mile Trail type: Hiking, biking • 880 Main St., Buda • www.budatx.gov/291/historic-stagecoach-park
Manchaca
45 SW Trail Located 10 minutes north of downtown Buda in Manchaca, this paved trail runs along the 45 tollway from FM 1626 to Escarpment Boulevard in South Austin. South access to the trail is available from the Bliss Spillar Trailhead. Length: 4.5 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking • 2841 1/2 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca • www.mobilityauthority.com/projects-programs/ shared-use-paths/45sw
• 1814 Ranch to Market 12, San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org/text-blocks/ ringtail-ridge-natural-area
Buda
Kyle
Cullen Country Park Trail This park features a greenbelt/trail that backs up to Garlic Creek Park. The natural, tree-shaded trail o ers picnic tables and benches along the way. Length: 8 miles Trail type: Hiking • 211 Cullen Blvd., Buda • www.budatx.gov/286/cullen-country-park
Spring Lake Natural Area San Marcos’ second-largest natural area o ers multiple natural-ground trails for hiking, biking, birding, photography and more. An “ecological jewel,” the Spring Lake area o ers trails like Tonkawa, Blue Stem and Buckeye varying in length and diculty. Certain trails are closed March through May annually. Length: Varies by trail Trail type: Hiking, biking • 921 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org/new-map-spring-lake-preserve
Plum Creek Trail This trail connects Steeplechase Park, Lake Kyle, Bunton Creek Park and Waterleaf Park. Leashed pets are allowed. Length: 3.5 miles Trail type: Hiking, biking • 108 Decker, Kyle • www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/page/trails
Purgatory Creek Natural Area A popular destination for hikers, bikers, birders and nature explorers, Purgatory Creek Natural Area contains multiple trails with varying levels of diculty. Its trails like Dante, Beatrice and Malacoda o er a variety of vegetation to explore.
Length: Varies by trail Trail type: Hiking, biking • 2102 Hunter Road, San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org/natural-areas
San Marcos
Five Mile Dam The trail around the Five Mile Dam Soccer Complex features a natural setting with access to the Blanco River.
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
Development drives recreation From the cover
In a nutshell
Hays County park, trail areas
Buda city limits Existing parkland: 272.2 acres Existing trails: 2.8 miles New parkland: 76+ acres New trails: 2.85+ miles
Population growth along the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio has drawn in residential and retail developers in Hays County. With the immense growth, cities such as San Marcos, Buda and Kyle are collaborating with builders to drive the creation of parks and trails. Each of these cities is making headway on multiple park projects and trail initiatives with the approval of developments that incorporate the projects into their planning. Hays County residents also approved the Parks and Open Spaces Bond in 2020, which allocated $75 million toward 39 projects across the county that conserve land and fund future parks and open spaces. The bond allocated a portion of funding for projects such as Buda’s 70-acre Eastside Regional Park, Garison Park, Kyle’s outdoor sportsplex and others. With these bond funds, over 2,700 acres of parkland have been improved or purchased over the past ve years, according to the bond website.
SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Kyle city limits Existing parkland: 743 acres Existing trails: 16 miles New parkland: 153 acres New trails: 80+ miles
290
1826
967
12
1626
2325
150
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COURTESY CITY KYLE
San Marcos city limits Existing parkland: 2,611 acres Existing trails: 46 miles New parkland: 77.5 acres* New trails: TBD**
SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT
*THE NEW PARKLAND ACREAGE IS FROM THE FIVE MILE DAM PARKS AND SOCCER COMPLEX. THE CITY IS WORKING WITH HAYS COUNTY TO TRANSFER PROPERTY TITLES AND WILL NOT CLOSE ON THE PROPERTIES UNTIL 2025.
**NEW TRAILS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE COTTONWOOD CREEK NATURAL AREA IN EARLY 2025. THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS DID NOT HAVE A SPECIFIC LENGTH AS OF PRESS TIME.
N
SOURCES: CITIES OF SAN MARCOS, BUDA AND KYLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
A closer look
In San Marcos, Buda and Kyle, an average of 67% of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park, according to data from ParkServe, a platform launched by The Trust for Public Land that maps urban park areas. Kyle has the greatest access to nearby parks—even when compared to Austin and San Antonio—with 73% of residents living in close proximity to a green space. Residents of all three cities live closer to parks than neighboring New Braunfels, which has an average of 42% of residents near parkland.
Percentage of residents that live within a 10-minute walk of a park
80% 20% 40% 60%
0%
San Marcos
Kyle
Austin
Buda
New Braunfels
San Antonio
SOURCE: PARKSERVECOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Why it matters
San Marcos
Future Quail Creek Regional Park
Providing access to green space is import- ant because it allows the city to reap not only the mental health benets but the economic benets of having natural areas and trails within the community, Case said. “We do have folks that travel from out of town … that come to our natural areas for hiking or mountain biking, and some of them are bird-watchers—so they’re coming to our community, enjoying our spaces and then as an additional benet going into our shops and our restaurants,” Case said. Case said the city has several items the community will have the opportunity to weigh in on. “I would just really encourage San Marcos residents to participate in these open houses and surveys so that we can make sure that we’re getting as much input from our community as possible,” Case said.
QUAIL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB RD.
Prioritizing parks, trails and open space looks dierent for the city of San Marcos compared to its neighbors in Buda and Kyle. Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Lee Case said acquiring natural areas has been a priority for the city over the last 20 years, and these land acquisitions allow the city to conserve as much natural area as possible to mitigate ooding and maintain water quality. Trails are also a component of various master plans the city of San Marcos is working on now. Case said the city is focused on gathering additional feedback regarding its riverfront parks system and will develop a master plan for Quail Creek, a new regional park located on a 176.5-acre property at Hwy. 21. The city acquired the property, totaling $8.5 million, in October 2022 through Hays County’s Parks & Open Spaces Bond, American Rescue Plan Act and parkland fee-in-lieu funds—or
35
GARY SOFTBALL COMPLEX
.
BLANCO RIVER
San Marcos
80
21
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SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
parkland dedication fees, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . The city has also partnered with the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, or SMGA, for assistance in constructing trails within the Cottonwood Creek Natural Area. Case said they hope to start that process in early 2025. SMGA is a local nonprot that works to protect the quality of life through the creation of interconnected parks and natural areas.
CONTINUED ON 24
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Continued from 23 From the cover
Kyle
Connecting Kyle Vybe Trails Existing
HILLSIDE TERRACE
2001
In Kyle, parks and recreation is a “critical component” for how the city develops, City Manager Bryan Langley said.
Under construction Proposed/in review Vybe Spots (small parks)
1626
KOHLER'S CROSSING RD.
The city’s parkland dedication ordinance outlines specic requirements for developers to set aside parkland or provide fees in place of land to meet the recreational needs of new developments. Kyle’s Lake Park District is one example of how the city collaborates with developers by negotiating components of its parkland dedication ordinance into development agreements. The project, which will house a new St. David’s Hospital and city-owned hotel and convention center, has about 20 acres of dedicated parkland, according to the development agreement. Parts of The Vybe Trail, an 80-mile paved path that aims to connect all Kyle neighborhoods to dierent areas of the city, are also being constructed on the backside of the property. All the 2022 road bond projects have a Vybe Trail component to them, which will allow for more walkability throughout the city. As those projects start moving forward, residents will begin seeing more of those connection points, Langley added.
Mountain City
PLUM CREEK GOLF COURSE
W. CENTER ST.
Kyle
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PLUM CREEK
21
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCE: CITY OF KYLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
Items worth mentioning
Plum Creek East Neighborhood connectors 10ft-wide trail Plum Creek Trail 12ft-wide trail 1 Bunton Creek Park
Approximately 2.5 miles of trail is anticipated to begin construction in 2025, according to an email from Kyle Director of Communications Rachel Sonnier. The St. David’s Connector—a 0.5-mile trail connecting FM 1626 at Marketplace to Kohlers Crossing at the Public Safety Center—is slated to begin construction in April, according to the email. Plum Creek Trail—a 12-foot-wide spine trail from Bunton Creek Park to Waterleaf Park—is anticipated to break ground in fall 2025, Parks and Recreation Director David Lopez said. Plum Creek Trail will have seven 10-foot-wide connec- tions to adjacent neighborhoods. The master planning process for Lake Kens- ington Nature Park, a 105-acre undeveloped park at 2400 Dacy Lane, will kick o in late spring of 2025. Lopez said they hope to begin construction in late spring or early summer of 2026.
1
Kyle
WATERLEAF PARK
150
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SOURCE: CITY OF KYLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
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