Louise Hays Park gears up for its 75th anniversary

The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department has announced that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Louise Hays Park, a much cherished cornerstone of Kerrville’s recreational and cultural life. Since its humble beginnings as a “park built in a day” by the community in 1950, Louise Hays Park has now grown into a popular gathering space for locals and visitors alike and is a testament to the city’s spirit of collaboration and civic pride.

In 1950, local philanthropist Robert S. Hays donated 35 acres of his family ranch to the City of Kerrville with two key conditions: the park would be named after his wife, Louise, and it must be completed in a single day. The community rose to the challenge, raising $20,000 and mobilizing volunteers, businesses and schools to complete the park’s construction on April 26, 1950 – forever etching this unique story into the heart of Kerrville’s history.

Over the past 75 years, the park has evolved, expanding to 63.6 acres and adding a variety of amenities while maintaining the natural beauty that first made it a local treasure. Today, Louise Hays Park offers an interactive fountain, shaded playgrounds, a fitness court, pavilions, the Kerrville River Trail, Guadalupe River access, public art installations, a rainwater catchment system, and numerous picnic areas. The park also hosts several beloved annual events, such as Concerts by the River, Kerrville’s Fourth on the River, and Family Fright Night, ensuring it remains a central hub for community activities.

On April 26, the Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department will host a celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the park’s opening, with plenty of planned festivities, live music, and reflections on the history and significance of this beloved space.

For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at (830) 257-7300, or visit the city’s website at www.kerrvilletx.gov.