.png)
SMITHVILLE — The Buescher State Park has just finished construction on their historic dam and spillway, as well as introduced two new terraces for residents to take advantage of.
The original water management construct was built in the late 1930s as part of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s civilian conservation corps. The program allowed young men to sign up and work to help improve public lands, forests and parks, many of which were later enlisted to fight in WWII.
A particularly large flood in 2015 washed out part of the near-century-old spillway, a concrete structure next to the natural dam that managed and redirected overflow of the 25-acre lake.
When reconstruction started in 2021, Site Manager Robbie Boyer saw an opportunity to provide his park goers with better recreational accessibility.
“When we do a project, we’re always trying to figure out what’s the best way to accomplish the goal of the project, but also, is there anything we can make better while doing it,” said Boyer in a recent interview with the Courier. “I’m super glad we were able to include [the terraces] in this project and give people a nicer place to visit. People really love their parks and we’re always trying to see what we can do to give the people of Texas better experiences.”
Two stonework terraces now accompany the dam on opposite sides of the lake, creating new opportunities for fans of fishing to cast a line.
The park’s fishery stocks the lake with trout, catfish and bass for successful visitors to take home with them.
Previously, the dam only provided a few spots close to the water for fishermen to station themselves.
The dam itself has seen a sizeable increase, alongside the spillway’s 50-foot expansion. Completely made of natural earthen material, the soil was also topped with grass seeds to help stabilize it and prevent erosion.
Most of the construction was done for the sake of safety, according to Boyer. The new barrier better maintains, controls and directs the flow of excess water when it rains, safely passing it downstream to the Colorado River and protecting those who live in the area.
The lake needed to be lowered by about 10 feet while construction was underway but should return to its full glory when enough rain comes along. Reliant on the weather, this could take anywhere from one week to a whole year, added Boyer.
“It’s pretty now, but it will be amazing once it’s full,” said the site manager. “The world kind of comes alive out here.”
Even when low, the lake is still open for kayakers, non-motorized boats and canoes. Swimming is not permitted in the lake, however.
Open 365 days of the year, Buescher State Park is brimming with wildlife. A bald eagle has nested in the area, and falcons can be seen joining in on the fishing when the time is right.
Just one of seven individuals working the 1,000-acre park, Boyer does all he can to better the public space for its visitors.
“We wear a lot of hats, it’s something different every day,” said Boyer. “We have to preserve this resource, in everything we do, because that’s why people come here, to enjoy it. If the resource isn’t there, people can’t come to enjoy it.”
Located at 100 Park Road 1C in Smithville, park entry is $5, with package deals available for season passes.
“We have to preserve this resource, in everything we do, because that’s why people come here, to enjoy it.”
— Site Manager Robbie Boyer
