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More than 35 residents joined the Horseshoe Bay POA Community Education presentation on September 9 for a closer look at the trails, parks, and natural spaces that make Horseshoe Bay special. Whit Holcomb opened the program and shared that presentation materials and related resources are available through this blog post.

 

 

 

Tim Foran, City of Horseshoe Bay Public Works Director, presented alongside Cody Layton, Public Works Assistant. Their presentation began with an important trail safety lesson from the Horseshoe Creek Trail.

 

 

After Cody attended trail safety classes, the City implemented a color-coding system along the trail to help hikers identify their location. Tim encouraged hikers to make a mental note of the color they are entering. In an emergency, that detail can help responders locate someone more quickly.

 

The system's value was clear in a trail rescue comparison. In a previous scenario, it took 52 minutes from the initial call to getting an injured person into an ambulance. With the improved system, that time was reduced to 34 minutes. The lesson was simple: know your location, carry a phone when possible, and share the trail color if you need help.

 

 

Tim also shared updates on Martin Park. The City recently renovated the restrooms, bringing them up to modern standards. Those improvements follow earlier upgrades that included pickleball courts and refreshed playground facilities. Residents interested in reserving Martin Park may contact Renee Hagen at 830-598-9972 or rhagen@horseshoe-bay-tx.gov.

 

The Elsie Thurman Walking Trail remains an evolving project, with future improvements expected as opportunities arise. Possible additions include irrigation and native plant landscape accents. Tim also reminded dog owners that waste stations are available throughout the trail. Dogs are welcome, and cleaning up after them helps keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

 

The City is accepting sponsorships to support future additions to the Elsie Thurman Walking Trail. To learn more, contact Cindee Sharp at csharp@horseshoe-bay-tx.gov or visit horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/sponsor. Residents may also leave mementos of beloved pets on Berkeley’s Bridge at City Center along the trail.

 

 

 

Fox Park is another important part of the POA’s park system. The POA manages the newly renovated park, which includes a walking path, swings, jungle gym, barbecue pits, basketball court and restroom facility. The POA also appreciates the Horseshoe Bay Resort for its financial donation supporting the basketball court, a welcome addition for neighborhood recreation.

 

 

Rick Overholt then shared updates and stories from the POA-managed Slick Rock Creek and Spur Trail. His opening slide featured the large stones used in the project. Twenty-nine stones, each weighing approximately 2,000 pounds, were moved into place with help from a volunteer who provided heavy equipment services at a substantial discount to the POA.

 

 

Rick noted that the original trail was about two miles long. Rick stated that he heard the Resort installed the original trail and that it was an equestrian feature of the Resort. Ron Mitchell confirmed this by providing "the resort back in the 1970's and 80's had a stables and tack room located overhanging slick rock creek on Hi Circle South at the famous Llano Uplift low water crossing. The trails ran up Slick Rock Creek in the early years then were moved, and new trails installed along Slick Rock Golf Course along 13-14-15 holes. The stables closed due to new age restrictions, helmet laws, and insurance issues." Ron provided this early picture of the trail with horses on it:

 

 

Today, Slick Rock Creek and Spur Trail offers approximately three miles of trail across 30 acres of Hill Country landscape, including a spring-fed creek, a two-acre pond, natural footing, rock crossings, and shaded stretches.

 

Rick also discussed the natural features that make the area unique. The creek and pond offer opportunities to spot fish, turtles, herons, and other wildlife. He shared how the Merlin Bird ID app helped him identify an osprey near the creek in January, an uncommon but welcome sight in the area.
 

 

The rock bluffs and outcrops throughout Horseshoe Bay were another point of interest. Rick encouraged residents to enjoy them from a respectful distance rather than climbing on them, since they can provide important shelter and habitat for wildlife.

 

The newer sanctuary section of the Slick Rock Spur Trail includes three benches that invite visitors to slow down, listen, and take in the setting. Rick introduced the idea of “forest bathing,” or intentionally spending quiet time in nature to reduce stress and become more aware of the natural world around you.

 

The POA supports and maintains about 90 acres of greenbelt land. In 2024 and 2025, the POA and a group of volunteers removed about 200 dead cedar trees to create clearer, more walkable paths. This fall, the next major effort is removing more than 200 invasive Chinese tallow trees through a three-year project involving contractors and volunteers. 

Rick also shared plans for Quick Draw, an additional one-mile loop on a 10-acre POA property between the airport and Slick Rock Creek. About a quarter mile has been blazed so far, with more work ahead. Here is the map of the Slick Rock Creek Trails:

 

 

Residents showed strong interest in helping care for these spaces. Nineteen people signed up to volunteer, with opportunities including regular trail use, light trail care, and volunteer workdays. Workdays are typically planned for the fourth Thursday. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Rick at 713-859-5054.

 

 

 

 

Mike Riley, Vice President of the Horseshoe Bay Nature Park, then took attendees on a virtual walk-through of the Horseshoe Bay Nature Park. Beginning at the observation deck and trailhead, he guided the audience along the one-and-a-half-mile loop, which includes a chimney swift tower, wildlife watering station, shaded picnic tables and benches, oak trees, pond, and scenic bird blind.

 

 

The park offers shorter routes for visitors who want a quick walk, as well as the full loop for those ready to spend more time outdoors. On the south side of the park, visitors can find a sundial installed by Boy Scouts, which Mike said may be more dependable than technology itself. 

 

 

Mike noted that the Nature Park is home to at least 100 species of flowers, trees, and other vegetation. He also discussed the challenge of controlling invasive Johnson grass. Because the plant’s seeds can spread easily, it is important to remove the rhizomes, or roots, and dispose of the entire plant in a plastic bag. The work is difficult and is most effective after a significant rainfall, when the ground is soft enough to remove the roots. Mike asks that you direct comments and suggestions to info@hsbpoark.org.

 

The seminar concluded with an engaged question-and-answer session and positive feedback from attendees. Thank you to Tim Foran, Cody Layton, Rick Overholt, Mike Riley, and Ron Mitchell for sharing their knowledge, and to everyone who joined us to learn more about the places we enjoy and help care for together.