AUSTIN, Texas — It's the largest land acquisition in Travis County history: A family in the western portion of the county is selling off more than 1,500 acres so the county can make it into a public park.
In an area surrounded by development, it's a preserved slice of what Texas has to offer.
Jordan Scott and his family have owned the RGK Ranch for over half a century. Scott said he has been coming to the ranch since he was a baby, playing with cousins and making memories.
"It was a place where they wanted to have a chance to escape the city," Scott said.
That same escape for the Scott family will be available soon for all Central Texans to enjoy.
"I think our entire family is excited about the idea of this being a park instead of homes," Scott said.
After entertaining offers of $130 million and above, Scott said his family knew what to do.
"What I want is to know that the ranch will stay in its natural state for as long as we can keep it that way," Scott said.
Voters approved nearly $300 million in bond money for parks last year. Travis County will buy the land for $90 million, making it the largest land acquisition in county history.
"Because of the growth, if we don't act now, we'll lose the opportunity. So this is a really big deal," Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard said.
Howard stayed persistent on this deal.
"So, early on, I started looking at maps and understanding how the public and private sector had worked together to preserve land in that part of western Travis County, along our water sources," Howard said.
She said this will be some of the most significant work they do as officials: preserving this land for Texans and their families.
"But, in the end, this is the people's park now, and that part makes me excited. So it doesn't have to be used the way we did it," Scott said.
For now, this land will see new life for years to come. It is expected to be open late next year.