top of page

History

activitycenter.jpg

Conceived as an idea to establish a facility where citizens and the community could gather to enrich their daily lives through programs and activities of recreation, health, fitness, and general welfare, the Gem of the Hills Activity Center has become a popular site for weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, public meetings, and other community activities. The Activity Center is a “must-see” stop on any visit to Blanco and the surrounding area. Completed in 1995, this modern 5,600-square-foot building was constructed primarily by a group of highly dedicated senior citizens.

​

It was through the devastation of fire that a property, located on Highway 281 just north of the center of town, became available. With great optimism, a team of volunteers created the space which today offers a covered pavilion and an activity center with a full commercial kitchen all beautifully located on a wooded 25-acre campus affectionately called the GEM.

​​

A team of energetic volunteers ignited their “get it done” spirit and built a 2400 square foot covered pavilion nestled among a gorgeous wooded grove at the rear of the property. This space, surrounded by picnic tables, native trees and wildflower fields, became so popular that it soon became the center of social events in Blanco County.   It was the place of lively pot luck dinners and BBQs, community meetings, school awards programs, and artisan markets. The covered pavilion with its kitchen, bathrooms, and surrounding areas became a favorite place for Blanco residents to rent for outdoor community meetings, birthday parties, weddings, family reunions and company picnics.

​

The Pavilion was so popular the founders decided to grow the campus to offer indoor options for events and programs. No task was too big or too small for these folks, a 90-year-old stonemason with his 70-year-old helper built the stunning 26 ft. high native limestone fireplace located on the north wall of the Activity Center. A local artist hand-painted the beautiful 8’ x 40’ mural on the west wall depicting a hill country image in full bloom.   Their efforts resulted in a beautiful and well-appointed 5,600 square foot activity center with a full commercial kitchen.  The property offers shaded trails, outdoor classrooms and picnic areas planted in native grasses and wildflowers.

bottom of page