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live the unincorporated area of the County. The extreme growth rate has changed the County from its sleepy agricultural beginnings to a bustling urban community with all of the needs, desires and demands of an urban population. Located just south of the Capital City of Austin, along Interstate Highway 35, Hays County has enjoyed the pleasures of many natural resources, including the Guadalupe and Blanco Rivers with numerous creeks, streams and springs. With the current and inevitable future growth comes the challenge to protect the natural resources and character that make this area unique. One highly important strategy that can certainly help the area retain the existing balance between nature and man is the parks and open space system. This project also has an overall benefit for the entire State by providing a Regional Conservation Park for all. 3. How does the project improve the distribution of parkland and recreation facilities for the community, especially for areas that currently have poor access? TSU's Center for Nature and Heritage Tourism, in collaboration with the Rivers and Trails Program of the National Park Service, will provide assistance in effectively interpreting various aspects for the site, which will serve as an educational venue for the University's programs in environmental education, nature tourism, biology, geography, history, archeology, outdoor recreation and teacher education. The City of San Marcos' Parks and Recreation Department will also coordinate and lead education programs at Sink Creek Preserve, where the City plans to relocate its Nature Center. Children and adults will have the opportunity to participate in hikes and interpretive programs to learn about the San Marcos watershed and recharge area, native plants at Sink Creek Preserve which has been designated a Central Texas Birding Site by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 4. What is the extent to which the project improves park and recreation opportunities for low income, minority, elderly or youth-at-risk citizens? The proposed park will serve the entire City of San Marcos. According to the 2000 Census, 28.5% of the population is living in poverty, with 31.30% making an annual salary of less than $14,999. The 2000 Census also showed the City of San Marcos to have 69% of the population to be non-Caucasian. 17.69% of the population is under 18 years of age and more staggering 39% of the population is from age 18 to 25 due to the inclusion of the students of Texas State University. The senior population of the City makes up 7.56% of the population Recreational activities have proven extremely beneficial for our youth who are classified as "at-risk': In Section 29.081 of the Texas Education Code, the definition for youth at- risk assists the public school systems in classifying students who may require extra attention or have special needs. Criteria used to identify these youth include, but are not limited to, failing to pass T AAS tests, reading below grade level, being retained, not on track to graduate in four years, having limited English, engaging in or displaying conduct of a criminal nature, and living within a residential facility. The City of San Marcos is served by the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. The SMCISD serves over 41.6% identified at-risk youth. The at-risk youth population of the community will be encouraged to participate.