Blue Hole Regional Park
Wimberley, TX
Services Provided
Master Planning, Ecological Analysis, Park and Trail Design, Landscape Architecture, Stakeholder Engagement, 3d Modeling and Graphics, Green Infrastructure/Low impact Development, Project Management, Cost Estimating, Approvals, Construction Administration, SITES Certification
Awards
2018 Project of the Year, Austin Green Awards, 2018 Top 10 Swimming Holes in the Nation, USA Today, 2014 Award of Excellence, Active Design, for Blue Hole Regional Park, Center for Active Design , 2013 SITES certified, Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park, Sustainable SITES Initiative, 2013 Honor Award for Design (Public Constructed) for Blue Hole Regional Park, American Society of Landscape Architects, Texas Chapter, 2012 Outstanding Public Works Award for Blue Hole Regional Park, Texas Municipal League Public Works, 2012 Honor Award (Research and Communication) for Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park Interpretive Signage Program, American Society of Landscape Architects, Colorado Chapter, 2012 Case Study Series for Blue Hole Regional Park - Landscape Architecture Foundation, 2011 Honor Award for Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park Master Plan, American Society of Landscape Architects, Texas Chapter
Links
Wimberley’s Blue Hole, a beautiful natural wonder, had served as an invaluable resource for both wildlife and the Texas Hill Country community for centuries. However, in 2003, after enduring a century of overuse and neglect, a determined community embarked on a mission to rescue this cherished site and transform its 126-acre surroundings into a sustainable regional park. Spearheaded by Lionheart Principal, Rebecca Leonard, this visionary project aimed to find harmony between increasing park use, restoring native landscapes, and conserving precious water resources. The venture not only earned national recognition but also set a new benchmark for environmental stewardship through a community-driven approach, emphasizing water’s significance as a treasured Hill Country asset.
To counter development threats, the City of Wimberley acquired the property in 2005, ensuring its preservation and the creation of a sustainable regional park. The design process, guided by stakeholders, carefully balanced development with environmental protection, enhancing ecologically sensitive areas despite adding 320,000 square feet of new park amenities. Notable achievements included limited impervious surfaces, the preservation of extensive tree cover, and innovative rainwater collection systems.
The project’s dedication to native landscaping, resilience against flooding, incorporation of sustainable materials, educational interpretation, and a focus on economic sustainability further underscore its success. Challenges included restoring overused banks, maintaining a delicate balance between recreation and environmental preservation, and ensuring long-term financial viability. The Blue Hole Regional Park project remains a testament to the power of community-driven design, environmental stewardship, and the celebration of nature’s wonders in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
