Rathgeber Natural Resource Park is a future public natural-area park near the Headwaters subdivision in Dripping Springs, Texas. The property covers approximately 300 acres of Texas Hill Country landscape near the confluence of Barton Creek and Little Barton Creek.
The site is intended to preserve significant open space while allowing future public access for nature exploration and passive recreation. It is not currently open to the public.
Official sources: City park page · Hays County bond project page
How the park began
On December 8, 2020, the Dripping Springs City Council approved a resolution authorizing acceptance of the Donation Deed for the park property adjacent to Headwaters. City materials identify Dick Rathgeber and Rathgeber Investment Company as the donors.
The donation created an opportunity to protect a large, connected Hill Country property as the Dripping Springs area continues to grow. The City later selected a planning team, gathered public and stakeholder input, and prepared a formal vision plan for the park.
Official sources: December 8, 2020 Council record · City park page
What kind of park will it be?
Rathgeber is being planned primarily as a natural resource park rather than a conventional active-sports complex. The planning emphasis is on conserving the landscape and creating gentle ways for visitors to experience it. Publicly discussed concepts include walking and hiking trails, birding and wildlife viewing, nature education, a nature center, stargazing and other passive recreation.
Why the site matters
The park adds a large natural-area property to the local park system near a rapidly developing part of western Hays County. Hays County describes the project as protecting critical Hill Country ecosystems associated with Barton Creek and Little Barton Creek while creating future access for nature exploration, passive recreation and stargazing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rathgeber Park open?
No. The City states that the land is not open to the public at this time.
Where is the park?
Official sources describe it as near or adjacent to the Headwaters subdivision in Dripping Springs. This website will not publish a visitor entrance or parking location until the City confirms public access.
Is RathgeberPark.com the official City website?
No. RathgeberPark.com is an independent community guide. Official decisions, rules and notices come from the City of Dripping Springs and other responsible public agencies.