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Following a mayoral proclamation issued at last night’s City Council meeting, the City of Kerrville is launching “Kerrville Strong: Back to the River” Month, a community-wide campaign running Jan. 13 through Feb. 14 inviting residents and...

Kerrville, Texas (Jan. 14, 2026) – Following a mayoral proclamation issued at last night’s City Council meeting, the City of Kerrville is launching “Kerrville Strong: Back to the River” Month, a community-wide campaign running Jan. 13 through Feb. 14 inviting residents and visitors to reconnect with the Guadalupe River, the Kerrville River Trail and the city’s 27 parks and outdoor spaces.

The month-long campaign celebrates a major recovery milestone: the reopening of most of the Kerrville River Trail following last summer’s July 4 flood. While restoration work continues in some areas, the trail’s return marks an important step forward for a community whose identity is deeply tied to the river.

“I am deeply proud of the work our Parks team has done to ensure the River Trail is safe for recreation just five months after the flood,” said Mayor Joe Herring. “Kerrville has always been a community that finds strength and healing in nature. Even after profound loss and change, our residents continue to show up for one another, like walking the trail, spending time by the river, and I appreciate their patience as we continue rebuilding together.”

How the Campaign Works

As part of Back to the River Month, residents and visitors are encouraged to safely enjoy the River Trail or any Kerrville park, capture their experience and share it for a chance to win weekly giveaways.

Participants can enter by:

• Taking a photo while walking, biking, fishing, relaxing, or enjoying outdoor recreation on the River Trail or at a Kerrville park
• Posting the photo on Facebook or Instagram using #KerrvilleRiverTrail, or emailing it to media@kerrvilletx.gov
• Weekly prizes include City Parks swag, Kerrville-Schreiner Park annual passes, golf passes, and Olympic Pool seasonal swimming passes. No purchase is necessary to participate

Guadalupe Park Community Input Survey Results

As part of the campaign, the city is also sharing results from the Guadalupe Park Community Input Survey, which gathered 375 responses between Dec. 11, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026. The survey reflects strong engagement from local families and highlights how residents use — including walking and biking trails, playgrounds, basketball courts, picnicking, and river views.

Key findings include:

• 50% of respondents are households with children
• 11% report accessibility needs
• Top priorities include an inclusive, sensory-friendly playground (51%), basketball courts (43%), enhanced trail connections, river and nature views and thoughtful design focused on accessibility, shade, seating, and floodplain realities

“These results reaffirm what we already know about Kerrville,” said City Manager Dalton Rice. “Our community values parks that are welcoming, inclusive and connected. These spaces serve multiple generations while respecting the river and nature.”

Rebuilding Guadalupe Park Together

Looking ahead, The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and a partnership between the NBA and all three Texas NBA teams, the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs, have committed to helping rebuild key amenities at Guadalupe Park, including an inclusive, sensory-friendly playground and a basketball court. The Foundation and the NBA teams each pledged $375,000. These commitments represent a significant step toward restoring community spaces that matter most to Kerrville families, youth and the surrounding areas.

Throughout Back to the River Month, the city aims to balance celebration with reflection — honoring those impacted by the flood while recognizing the resilience that continues to define Kerrville.

“The river is part of our story, in moments of peace and in moments of challenge,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jay Brimhall. “This campaign is about coming back together, appreciating how far we’ve come and shaping the future of our parks with our community’s voice at the center.” More information about the campaign, participation details, and ongoing restoration efforts can be found at www.kerrvilletx.gov/kerrville-strong.

Marking a Major Milestone in Community Recovery: Open from Dietert Center to Meeting Creek

Kerrville, Texas (Dec. 22, 2025) – The City of Kerrville is proud to announce the reopening of the majority of the River Trail, restoring access

Kerrville, Texas (Dec. 22, 2025) – The City of Kerrville is proud to announce the reopening of the majority of the River Trail, restoring access to one of the community’s most iconic outdoor spaces just in time for the holiday season. The River Trail is now open from the Dietert Center through Camp Meeting Creek, representing a significant achievement just five months after the devastating July 4 flood that changed lives and reshaped the river corridor. This milestone signals not only physical restoration, but the return of a central gathering place that defines Kerrville’s outdoor lifestyle and sense of community.

The only remaining closure along the River Trail is at the Camp Meeting Creek Bridge, which was washed away during the flood. The City is pleased to share that the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has awarded a $460,000 grant to fully fund the replacement of the bridge, ensuring the final connection will be rebuilt.

Following this reopening, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will shift its focus to the next phase of recovery by beginning the bidding process for the Camp Meeting Creek Bridge replacement in the first quarter of 2026. Construction of the bridge is expected to take approximately 6 to 12 months once underway.

Kerrville’s parks and outdoor spaces play a vital role beyond recreation. The City’s 27 parks and outdoor areas are a key part of Kerrville’s economic infrastructure, supporting local businesses, driving tourism and helping the community recover and thrive following the flood. The reopening of the River Trail represents an important step in restoring both quality of life and economic vitality.

“This progress reflects the strength of our community and the power of partnership,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jay Brimhall. “Restoring the River Trail means restoring connection and confidence in Kerrville’s future.”

The City extends its sincere gratitude to the many partners who made this milestone possible, including volunteers, the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA), FEMA, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), contractors, Kerr Together, the Long-Term Recovery Group, and numerous local, state and federal partners.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the reopened portions of the River Trail safely and to respect posted closures as work continues toward full restoration. Remember, parts of the River Trail run through private property and all park goers are required to stay on designated trails. For updates on the River Trail access and recovery efforts, visit kerrvilletx.gov.

The City will hold a hold a general election on May 2, 2026. The election will be for Mayor, Councilmember Place 3 and Councilmember Place 4. Early voting will be held April 20—28, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Crystal Stutes, Public Information Officer crystal.stutes@kerrvilletx.gov  

Kerrville, Texas (Dec. 15, 2025) – The City will hold a hold a general election on May 2, 2026.  The election will be for Mayor, Councilmember Place 3 and Councilmember Place 4. Early voting will be held April 20—28, 2026.  Both the election and early voting will take place at the Union Church Building, 101 Travis St.  

For individuals interested in running for Mayor, Place 3 or Place 4, a candidate application packet will be available in the City Secretary’s Office, located at City Hall, 701 Main St., beginning Wed., Jan. 7, 2026.  The City Secretary’s Office is open Mon.—Fri., 8 a.m.—5 p.m. (Note: Mon., Jan. 19, 2026 is a Federal Holiday and City Hall will be closed.)

The first day to file an application with the City Secretary is Wed., Jan. 14, 2026. Filing continues through Fri., Feb. 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. A completed City of Kerrville official candidate application will be accepted. 

In accordance with the Kerrville City Charter, any person who is a registered voter of the city and lawfully qualifies may file an application for a place on the ballot. Qualifications are outlined in the Texas Election Code and the Kerrville City Charter. 

Candidates are elected at large, meaning the City does not designate districts, and Councilmembers assume office without party or partisan designation and serve two-year terms. 

The candidate’s name and the place for which the candidate is filing must be affixed by the City Secretary at the time the application and petition are issued. The application must include a filing fee of $100; however, the filing fee will be waived if the petition includes the signatures from at least 100 qualified, registered voters of the city.  

Currently, Joe Herring, Jr. serves as mayor; Kent McKinney serves as Councilmember Place 3; and Brenda Hughes serves as Councilmember Place 4.  

For information regarding the May 2, 2026 City election, contact the City Secretary’s Office at (830) 258-1117 or shelley.mcelhannon@kerrvilletx.gov.  

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