Plans for Guadalupe River Ranch continue to advance in Kendall County, and local leaders are sharing new details on changes to the project’s opening timeline, the potential for additional funding and what the property could look like in the coming years.  

The county finalized its purchase of the 321-acre property in May 2026. They say it will be the area’s first “Blue Trail,” offering unprecedented river access for floaters, kayakers, and tubers along the Guadalupe River. Despite Kendall County being one of the Hill Country’s most “underrated” riverside communities, similar to outdoorsy spots like New Braunfels and San Marcos, it currently lacks a continuous public river trail.

County Commissioner Andra Wisian tells MySA that developing the trail remains a key part of the county’s plans for the Guadalupe River Ranch property and that a new grant opportunity could enable leaders to build a more impressive space than originally envisioned.

But it could also mean they’d have to delay plans to open the Blue Trail and a lower portion of the property until summer 2027. 

“Earlier this year, we had hoped we might be able to open the river portion of the property, including Blue Trail access, sometime in 2027. The grant opportunity could help us accomplish more with the property and make more substantial improvements than we otherwise could,” the commissioner told MySA. “At the same time, the grant rules mean we need to be careful about beginning improvements before an award is made, since work completed beforehand may not be eligible for reimbursement.” 

“As Parks Director Joe Reissig puts it, ‘We want to do it right,'” Wisian continued. 

The county is preparing to solicit a conceptual development plan, which it will open to applicants in mid-October. The grant will help commissioners leverage outside dollars rather than rely solely on county funds.

“It’s a beautiful property, and I’m excited to see what comes from the concept planning process,” the county commissioner said. “The Blue Trail remains an important part of that vision. We want to protect the property’s natural character and the river while creating a park and river experience Kendall County residents can enjoy for generations.”