Garey Park Opens
The much-anticipated grand opening of Garey Park will happen on June 9, 2018, according to Georgetown officials. For those looking to make a visit, the park is located between Georgetown and Leander at 6450 FM 2243. The park is bordered on the north by the San Gabriel River.
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of this green oasis within our city that is sure to become a regional destination for outdoor recreation and special events,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “We hope many of you are able to join us for this historic event.”
Great expectations come along with being the largest park in Georgetown, at least by some visitors planning to make use of the park once it opens. Williamson County resident Jonathan Stowe said, ” I can’t wait to hit the trails. I’m looking forward to checking out the natural beauty of the area in addition to the park’s developed amenities.”
Garey Park Grand Opening Celebration
Sitting at 525 acres in size, the park will offer a little something for everyone. The park has been under construction for almost a year and half with amenities that include an events center, a dog ranch, play ranch for kids, two fishing ponds, equestrian facility, 4.2 miles of equestrian trails, 4.7 miles of hiking trails and an event a day-use area.
In addition, a residence that formerly occupied by the Garey family has been transformed into Garey House, an event and wedding venue that is available for rental. The city expects the park to attract residents as well as visitors from Central Texas and beyond.
Park gates will open at 9 a.m. for the event that will feature tours of Garey House, food trucks, pony rides, a petting zoo, fly fishing demos from the San Gabriel Fly Fishers, information from the Good Water Master Naturalists about wildlife viewing and the nature trail along the river, a temporary tattoo station from the Georgetown Public Library and more. The Georgetown Animal Shelter and Ride On Center for Kids will also be at the park for the opening event.
The ribbon cutting will be at 10 a.m., and other activities will be available throughout the event. The park will remain open to visitors until 8 p.m.
Park entrance fees will be waived for the first two weeks of operations. Park admission fees will begin on June 25. No admission fees will be collected on Tuesdays from Sept. 1-May 31. Park hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. from April 1-Sept. 30 and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. from Oct. 1-March 31.
Grand Park from Grand People
The 525 acres that will become Georgetown’s largest park was donated to the city by Jack and Camille Garey. The initial announcement was made by the Garey’s back in 2004. The Garey’s gift to the city also included an additional $5 million for construction and development.
Now, some 14 years later the park is a reality. Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross said, “The city is thankful for this tremendous gift from the Gareys that has become a public park for all of us to enjoy. Garey Park will be a regional destination for outdoor recreation as well as beautiful Hill Country setting for special events.”
Ross continued, “With features similar to those found in state parks, Garey Park is surely a gem for the city of Georgetown and one that our residents and visitors will enjoy for many years to come.”
Grand Opening to Kick Off Summer!
The school year is almost over and that means summer vacation is just around the corner, so no better time for the park’s grand opening that early June. Garey Park will open it’s gates to warmer weather but for some reason I don’t suspect that will deter Georgetown residents from taking in all that the park has to offer.
Donor Jack Garey may have said it best when he said, ” There is a lot for everyone to enjoy.” It appears so.
Get more information on park amenities and Garey Park admission fees.