AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a staff presentation and hold a discussion regarding Managed Access in Rio Vista Park, including but not limited to fencing options, layout and potential fees, and provide direction to the City Manager.
Body
Meeting date: January 6, 2026
Department: Parks and Recreation
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Click or tap here to enter text.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Public Safety, Core Services & Fiscal Excellence
Quality of Life & Sense of Place
Environmental Protection
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use - Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☒ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Well maintained public facilities that meet needs of our community
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan
Background Information:
Purpose of Item
The purpose of this item is to provide City Council with an update on plans for Managed Access at Rio Vista Park during the Summer 2026 season and to seek direction regarding the potential implementation of access fees for out-of-town visitors.
Background
On September 17, 2024, during the Summer Season update, City Council provided consensus to explore measures aimed at generating new revenue to offset operational and maintenance costs for riverfront parks. These measures included:
• Researching the installation of aesthetically pleasing perimeter fencing and creating designated managed access points.
• Charging non-residents for entry through managed access points.
• Implementing a permit system for picnic areas.
On May 20, 2025, during a City Council Work Session, Council authorized the implementation of a Managed Access Test Plan for weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Test Plan was executed over 50 days during Summer 2025 (Fridays-Sundays and holidays).
On October 8, 2025, during the Summer Season update, City Council discussed the possibility of implementing an access fee for out-of-town visitors and reviewed fee structures used by New Braunfels, Wimberley, and Austin. While no consensus was reached on implementing a fee, Council expressed support for exempting residents within the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District should a fee be adopted.
Council also provided consensus to continue managed access at Rio Vista Park using aesthetic temporary fencing to help educate park patrons on rules prior to entry. Observations from the 2025 Managed Access Test indicated a visible reduction in litter and park rule violations.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Alternatives:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Recommendation:
Click or tap here to enter text.