An online petition seeking to open Sulphur Creek at W.M. Brook Park for more public access is garnering attention from Lampasas County residents.
The petition titled “Support Safety Access and Environmental Protection at Sulphur Creek” on change.org has already secured 443 signatures since its launch on Aug. 18.
Currently, swimming and kayaking are prohibited within Sulphur Creek at W.M. Brook Park by the city of Lampasas. It has been decades since the space was available to swim, but resident Armando Rosales is hoping to change that.
“I remember when I was a young kid how it was opened up, there would be people lined up on that park whether barbecuing or swimming, it was really fun and nothing but positive times,” Rosales said. “Now you look at it and I just don’t see its full potential.”
The petition Rosales developed has four items listed. Firstly, the petition seeks to open more areas of Sulphur Creek to be enjoyed by the public. The petition also looks for clarity on rules surrounding restrictions currently in place.
Also, the petition advocates for increased safety and education measures to inform the public on how to be safe in and around the creek waters. The petition also hopes to raise awareness around environmental protection near Sulphur Creek.
Rosales says opening the creek would give young residents and families another recreation option.
“These kids around here, middle school and high school kids, there is not much for them to do in this town,” Rosales said. “Yeah they have Putters and Gutters, but if you don’t have any money and your parents, especially in this economy, everything is so pricey. I think it would be good for the community, kids, and families to go down there and have a good time.”
Hancock Springs Pool is currently open on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. However, the pool will close for the season on Sept. 2. Rosales believes Sulphur Creek could provide a space for youngsters and families to cool off when the pool is closed for the season.
Also, Rosales believes it would be beneficial for some families to have a cost-free option for family fun close to home. The cost to enter a city swimming pool is $3.50 for those over 13 and $2.50 for children between 3 and 12 years old. A family season pass is $125.
“Some of my friends that I hung around with didn’t have much money, so my dad would look out for all of us. When we would go to the pool, my dad would give us extra money for my friends, but sometimes he couldn't and we would end up swimming int he creek,” Rosales said. “I feel like there are a lot of kids who don’t have that money.”
Rosales says he has been in contact with the Lampasas Parks and Recreation Director Chris Eiicher regarding the opening of swimming in the creek. Rosales and other supporters plan to present the idea to the Lampasas City Council in an upcoming meeting in September or October.
“This creek can be used and the city can benefit from it,” Rosales said. “Somehow, some way, they will benefit.”
