Officials and area residents braved Wednesday’s mid-day heat to celebrate the completion of another phase of Hamm Creek Park’s renovation.
“A lot of people have a lot of memories of this place,” County Commissioner R.C. McFall said. “A lot of them I can’t talk about right now. But this project was the dream of George Wood. He worked tirelessly on it.
“Every county city council and chamber signed on to support this, and it’s the only such project I know of where that ever happened.”
Wood is the Brazos River Park Project chairman.
Hamm Creek Park, located about eight miles west of Rio Vista on the Brazos River, closed about 21 years ago. Plans to re-open and renovate the public park began several years ago. U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, the Johnson County Commissioners Court, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and area governmental entities supported and participated in the project. Phase I of the project, which includes roads, an entrance and a boat ramp, ended last year. Workers installed parking lots and picnic areas in Phase II. Phase III, already under way, will add campsites and other amenities to the park and is expected to be complete by next spring.
Although most know the Corps of Engineers primarily for their heavy construction projects, they are also the No. 1 provider of recreational projects in America, said Charlie Burger, deputy chief of operations for the Fort Worth district. Burger called the project cutting edge as it involved federal, state and local input.
“What this ended up being is not a Corps of Engineers park, not a county park, but a people’s park,” Burger said. “And we’re proud of that.”
County Judge Roger Harmon agreed.
“I’m always talking about teamwork, and I don’t think there’s a better example than this project here,” Harmon said. “We live in a very stressful world and people need a place to relax. This park exemplifies a place to get away from the world.”
Edwards joked that Harmon stole his speech then pointed out what he called two important aspects of the Hamm Creek project.
“It shows what happens when good people work together in good faith and what a difference that can make for our own people,” Edwards said. “This is also a safe, family friendly place where you can get your kids out in nature.”
Edwards worked to secure $4 million in federal funding toward the park’s construction. Johnson County commissioners agreed to assume upkeep costs once the project is completed.
Ronnie Bruggman, Corps of Engineers Fort Worth district recreational business line manager, said the area rates as one of Texas’ best water skiing sites. Other attendees said the park should provide a strong draw for local and out-of-county people.
“Within 75 miles of where we’re standing right now, there’s 7.5 million people,” McFall said. “That’s what we have to draw from.”
Local News
Ribbon cut on phase II of Hamm Creek
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May/June 2012 Community Life magazine
The May/June 2012 edition of Community Life magazine is available for online viewing. Click here to view.
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Primary election today
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator. Primary election day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their precinct location. For information visit the Johnson County Election Office’s website at www.JohnsonCountyElections.com or call 817-556-6197.
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Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
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A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
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Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
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Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
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Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
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Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
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Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
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Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
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