Officials, private citizens and LCRA representatives were present on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 to celebrate the Grand Opening of the LCRA/San Saba River Nature Park. Abeautiful new plaque was unveiled, commemorating the two year process between the LCRA Board of Directors and the City of San Saba to create the park, with the City taking over the operations last Fall.The park is beautifully landscaped with almost two miles of paved trails that wind through 40 acres of pecan trees and creek frontage. There's plenty of wildOfficials, private citizens and LCRA representatives were present on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 to celebrate the Grand Opening of the LCRA/San Saba River Nature Park. Abeautiful new plaque was unveiled, commemorating the two year process between the LCRA Board of Directors and the City of San Saba to create the park, with the City taking over the operations last Fall.The park is beautifully landscaped with almost two miles of paved trails that wind through 40 acres of pecan trees and creek frontage. There's plenty of wildlife including deer and anyone can be one with nature under the huge, old pecan trees, learn about the area's history and early settlers and take in the artifacts that are identified at the park. One can also see leftovers from the City's beginning waterworks in Mill Creek. The Nature Park also connects with two other city parks - Mill Pond and Risien's. The Mother Pecan Tree on the banks of the San Saba River can be ID'd.The completion last Fall ended the collaboration of San Saba and the LCRA and rain did not deter the celebration as it was moved to the Civic Center.Different speakers from both entities praised the partnership that created this beautiful nature park.LCRA Board Chair, Timothy Timmerman stated, "This is such an ideal partnership between the LCRA and a city that can create a project that benefits the community. With everything this park represents, including it's sheer natural beauty, it would be a shame not to ensure it remains open to the public for everyone to enjoy.""Areas where the public has access to the San Saba River are a rare thing today, so we realize what a special place this is for both residents and visitors alike," said San Saba Mayor Ken Jordan.LCRA added amenities to the Park including the hike and bike trail, a fishing access area, several historical and archaeological interpretive areas, a wildlife viewing site, parking and restroom facilities. One of the most unique aspects is two old forgotten railcars that were placed over Mill Creek with cranes, that serves as bridges to create the walking trail that connects Risien and Mill Pond Parks to the Nature Park. LCRA gave the 1940s -1950s era military flat cars new coats of paint and recycled them to be used and appreciated as relics from San Saba's strong ties with the railroad."The San Saba Nature Park is truly a unique treasure," stated former LCRA board member and San Saba's own Clay Nettleship. For LCRA, it brings a park that is unlike any among its park inventory. For the people of San Saba County it provides a place for quiet reflection and the appreciation of nature. For all visitors to San Saba, the Park gives them a wonderful example of the beauty of this part of the LCRA basin."LCRA board member, Mike McHenry of San Saba said, "The San Saba River Nature Park provides the geographic linkage of Mill Pond and Risien, thus ensuring a spectacular setting for all to enjoy. Its dedication creates the northern gateway to the Colorado River Trail park system that the LCRA first laid out in the early 1990s, a vision that called for public parks in the Lower Colorado River basin from San Saba to Matagordo. We appreciate very much the support we received from the City of San Saba, our wholesale electric customer of long-standing."The appreciative crowd on hand for the Grand Opening of the LCRA/San Saba River Nature Park never one time complained about having to move the celebration inside the Civic Center due to the rain.The beautiful plaque will be mounted at the entrance to the park and everyone needs to take the time to visit and witness for themselves the natural beauty given to them by God, the City and the LCRA.