August 21, 2023 6:00 PM
Blue Hole Regional Park Announces Closure of Swimming Area For Remainder of 2023 Swim Season
Media Contact:
Richard Shaver
Parks and Recreation Director
512-660-0111 ext. 209
rshaver@cityofwimberley.com
UPDATE:
Wimberley, August 29th, 2023 – Blue Hole Regional Park sadly announces the extended closure of its swimming area for the remainder of the 2023 swim season, effective immediately. For those who have purchased day passes, rest assured that full refunds will be promptly issued.
"We find ourselves facing the very situation we had hoped to avoid," shared Richard Shaver, Director of Wimberley Parks and Recreation. "Even though the result isn't what we had wished for, we hold deep appreciation for the significant portion of the swim season that we were able to stay open".
As the swimming area remains inaccessible, we invite our community and visitors to explore the diverse recreational offerings available at Blue Hole Regional Park and within Wimberley. Regional hike and bike trails, inviting picnic spots, engaging playscapes, and lively sport courts remain open for your enjoyment. Please note that ongoing burn bans necessitate the continued closure of BBQ grills.
For any inquiries, concerns, or comments, please don't hesitate to contact Blue Hole Regional Park at parks@cityofwimberley.com.
Wimberley, August 21st, 2023 – It is with great regret that Blue Hole Regional Park announces the closure of its popular swimming area for two weeks, effective August 21st, 2023 at 6 p.m. The conditions will be reviewed again in two weeks, and the possibility of further closures will be assessed depending on the circumstances.
The decision has been made due to low water levels that pose a potential safety concern for all visitors. Despite E. coli levels remaining within normal ranges, the insufficient water depth at Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park, has rendered swimming unsafe. Currently, Cypress Creek is approximately 2 feet below its normal level at the Blue Hole swimming area section.
"We understand the disappointment and frustration that this early closure brings to our community," said Richard Shaver, Director of Wimberley Parks and Recreation. "This decision was not taken lightly, and we want to assure our visitors that their safety will always be our highest priority."
Visitors who have purchased day passes for the swimming area during this closure are assured that full refunds will be processed as promptly as possible for their reservations. The park staff is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. There is hope that the situation will improve, enabling the swimming area to reopen in the near future.
"We share the disappointment and frustration of our visitors," Shaver continued. "The circumstances are unfortunate, and we sincerely wish things were different”.
Blue Hole Regional Park remains committed to the safety and enjoyment of its visitors and will continue to work diligently to address this challenge. Updates will be shared through the official City communication channels as the situation develops. The park’s other recreational amenities will remain open and free such as the regional hike and bike trails, picnic areas, playscapes, and sport courts. BBQ grills are closed due to the burn ban.
For inquiries, questions, or concerns, the public is invited to reach out to Blue Hole Regional Park at parks@cityofwimberley.com.