Just recently have I become aware of the worrisome extent of a proposed R.V. park to be built just north of Wimberley. Although some growth in our lovely area is to be expected, we all have hoped it would be graceful and maintain the natural beauty of the region, without damaging our shared environment.
The size and density of the Horseshoe Bend R.V. park are scary. The location is about 4 miles north of town, near the recent pipeline cut, on about 30 acres. The proposal is for 201 tightly-compacted RV sites and over 30 cabins or yurts. The map of the plan looks like a Moscow low-income housing complex, elbow-to-elbow, But beyond the high density for the occupants, most worrisome is the effect on ground water and sewage for the rest of us –-spoiling the environment.
This many taps from our water supply will affect not only our neighboring wells, but also Jacobs Well and Cypress Creek, including Blue Hole, which are important draws for our unique area. This proposed park is unusually large for any RV site in central Texas, and definitely more densely planned. In addition to the many water taps, a swimming pool and hot tub are planned, all draining on our common water sources. Particularly with prolonged drought, this is a major concern.
Perhaps of more concern is the septic and wastewater situation. Maintaining proper standards of safety and sanitation are obviously important, and laws should not be fudged. Allowances should be made for the inevitable storm and accident. Wastewater leakage would drain downward and seep into our aquifers, including Jacobs Well.
More subtle changes will occur with a proposal of this scale: traffic coming onto RR 12 from such a concentration will be significant; light pollution will harm the “dark sky” policy; taxation for the City of Wimberley will be oblique; fire and police coverage will be stretched; wildlife will be crowded out.
The image and ambience of the Wimberley Valley will overall be harmed to the detriment of its citizens, and the public should be made more aware of the consequences of a program of this excessive scale. Hopefully proper agencies will evaluate and regulate this proposal with great care.
Malone V. Hill, Jr. M.D.
