New Parks

Texas secures Silver Lake Ranch to become its 2nd largest state park

Silver Lake Ranch adds 54,000 acres to Texas' public lands.

Photo from property listing by Icon Global

Central Texans will soon have a massive new state park to explore, second only to Big Bend Ranch State Park in size, and at about half the driving distance away. Silver Lake Ranch, the 54,000-acre plot of land spanning Edwards and Kinney counties, was owned by the Moody Foundation, and now, largely thanks to a major philanthropic gift, it's headed into public hands.

The Moody Foundation gifted its 87.5 percent ownership interest in the ranch to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with TPWD purchasing the remaining interest for $11.85 million. The funds come from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax — both approved by Texas voters.

“The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come,” said Ross Moody in a press release. “Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”

The property will officially become Silver Lake State Park, named for the spring-fed 30-acre lake at its heart. Sitting roughly 150 miles west of San Antonio, nestled between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the land is home to some beautiful hill country wildlife and nature at a Texas manageable drive of just 3 to 4 hours from the Austin area.

Currently the park is in its most rugged and undeveloped form: steep limestone canyons drop into rolling hills lined with live oaks and juniper trees, with miles of river frontage tracing the West Nueces River. Several creeks wind through the property, including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, and North Spring Creek, along with Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.

Caves and other landmarks dot the landscape, and wildlife includes white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina, and dove. Portions of the property have even been identified as a potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

According to the press release, this land, previously used for sheep and cattle ranching, will be developed in phases over the next several years, also using the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. Initially, access to the park might look like guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure are underway. Later, trails and basic visitor facilities will be added, and ultimately, the park will include expanded recreational amenities like camping and paddling access.

Now that the acquisition is complete, TPWD staff and private contractors plan to gather feedback from the public and surrounding communities to help map out recreational opportunities. This may take "many months to complete," says the press release. TPWD will communicate any upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date, at TexasStateParks.org

"This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas," TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz says in the press release.

And as folks are pointing out on TPDW's reel announcing the new park: it's "Better than any subdivision."

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Touch and Go

Austin's CapMetro opens 2 new Park and Rides at bus line endpoints

Photo courtesy of CapMetro

The Expo Center bus stop now has 159 parking spots and eight bus bays.

With gas prices up and the outer limits of Austin's bus station only reaching so far, some communities are getting a bit of relief with two new Park and Rides. CapMetro will open places for people to park their cars at Goodnight Ranch (2501 Slaughter Ln.) and Expo Center (off Colony Loop Dr.) on June 7. The date marks full launch of the two bus lines the parking areas service: Rapid 800 and 837.

The two bus lines have been running in some capacity since February, 2025. Now they're complete, with charging stations for electric buses, which means the lines will operate on a 10-minute frequency during peak hours. More June services changes can be found here.

Park and Rides are located around Austin at the end of bus lines, essentially creating a compromise for residents who want to take the bus, but live too far away to walk to the closest stop — especially on a 100-degree day. They are free to use and open all the time.

The Goodnight Ranch Park and Ride includes 64 parking spots and four bus bays with electric charging capabilities; the Expo Center Park and Ride has 159 parking spots and eight bus bays. Visitors to the latter will also be able to get on buses on Routes 18, 233, and 337. Both utilize a shelter with lighting and security features, including cameras. Other work done on both properties updated the sidewalks, landscaping, and environmental features.

“June’s service launch represents a major step forward in how Central Texas moves,” said CapMetro president and CEO Dottie Watkins in a press release. “With our full frequency of Rapid service, along with the opening of these two new Park & Rides, we’re creating a more convenient and sustainable way for people to travel throughout the region.”

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