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Blue Hole Regional Park announced last week the closure of its popular swimming area for two weeks, effective August 21 at 6 p.m.
According to the park, swim conditions will be reviewed again in two weeks, and the possibility of further closures will be assessed depending on the circumstances. Despite E. coli levels currently remaining within normal ranges, the insufficient water depth at Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park, rendered swimming unsafe. Currently, Cypress Creek is approximately two 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 purchased day passes for the swimming area during this closure have been assured that full refunds will be processed as promptly as possible.
'We share the disappointment and frustration of our visitors,' Shaver said. 'The circumstances are unfortunate, and we sincerely wish things were different.”
There is hope that the situation will improve, enabling the swimming area to reopen in the near future. However, the two-week closure is likely to cost the city of Wimberley — which owns the park — a significant loss in revenue, especially if it is extended through the remainder of the swim season. The exact figures are still being calculated, according to Shaver.
Last year, Blue Hole’s swimming area closed for the summer on Aug. 1. This cost the city an estimated $300,000 – $350,000 in lost revenue, according to city staff.
The park staff is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. Updates will be shared through 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. Barbecue grills remain 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.
