Parks, trails closed until further notice

Local parks and trails remain closed after the recent ice storm this week caused tree limbs to fall throughout the area.

The city of Dripping Springs and Hays County both closed their parks until further notice. Both entities announced the closures earlier today, warning residents about a continued danger of falling limbs and debris.

“Public Works staff has been working for three days to make sure city streets are passable,” the city of Dripping Springs announced in a statement. “Crews are cutting limbs and removing them from travel lanes. At this time, there is too much ice for staff to haul off the branches, so they are leaving them on the side of the road. Once everything thaws out, staff [will] be prioritizing cleanup efforts and removing limbs from the rights-of-way.”

According to the statement, all city parks and trails will be closed until further notice as crews work to make them safe. These include: Founders Memorial Park, Dripping Springs Ranch Park, Charro Ranch Park, Veterans Memorial Park and Sports and Recreation Park. 

All county parks — including  Jacob’s Well, Dahlstrom, Winters Mill Parkway and Five-Mile Dam Park — will also be closed for continued cleanup efforts.

“For property owners, any limbs or trees on private property will not be removed by city staff,” the city’s statement explained. “Waste Connections customers will have their normal bulk/brush days starting next week. Customers can place their debris for removal on their regularly scheduled bulk/brush days.” 

“Please cut limbs to 4–5 feet max in length and do not bundle more than 50 lbs per bundle, or they cannot collect them,” it continued. “Non-Waste Connections customers and all residents can also bring their branches to Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Please place your limbs in the designated section.”

Home and business owners were encouraged to contact their electric service provider for issues that are not actively causing any danger. If there are sparks, fire, smoke or if someone is trapped beneath a line, passersby should call 9-1-1 right away.  

Dripping Springs area residents with questions or concerns, should reach out to communications@cityofdrippingsprings or call (512) 858-4725.