Blue Hole Park is a scenic area surrounded by limestone cliffs located along the South San Gabriel River. Amenities include picnic areas, restrooms and wading areas. When the river is flowing it provides for a very popular swimming destination. This area continues to gain popularity due to its natural beauty and easy access. Due to its proximity to the downtown and access to water, visitation at Blue Hole Park has grown substantially over the years. On an given day, park staff take numerous calls requesting the status of Blue Hole Park and directions on how to get there and where to park.
The safety and security of our parks is a priority. Making sure Blue Hole Park is a place where families feel safe bringing their children is also important. Over the past ten years, there has been an increase in negative behavior at Blue Hole Park. This is evident in the calls for service provided by the Police Department in the attached report. This ordinance change proposes to prohibit alcohol at Blue Hole Park. While the data only shows 18% of the arrests are related to alcohol, it is the proximate cause of disturbances, fights, welfare concerns and medical calls. The last two years, the police department has proactively assigned officers to Blue Hole Park during the peak season to provide a police presence in the area.
There are several other cities in our area and around Texas that prohibit alcohol in their parks depending on their situation. The following cities either ban alcohol completely from all their parks or from some of their parks: San Marcos; New Braunfels; Travis County Parks; Austin; Harker Heights; Houston; Kyle; Waco; Abilene; and Tyler. All cities surveyed also prohibit alcohol at their swimming pools as we currently do. Being that Blue Hole Park is considered a swimming area, it is consistent with prohibiting alcohol at our swimming pools.
The Parks and Recreation Department and the Police Department both support this ordinance that prohibits alcohol in Blue Hole Park. In addition, City Council Members requested changes to Blue Hole Park at their June 23, 2020 workshop. New signage would be placed in the park notifying guests and visitors of the new prohibited practice which is enforceable by ordinance.