Since the Talasek family donation of the Reuben D. Talasek Bend of the River property to the City, a determined group of citizens has worked with Temple Parks and Recreation to begin planning the transformation of the property into what one day will be a botanic garden.
A botanic garden would be a unique source of recreation, education, research, and help bring tourists to the area. Through research we have found that botanic gardens have strong appeal to all ages. When constructed, this would be the only major public botanic garden from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to San Antonio.