AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Scott family today announces the donation of more than $30 million in land and development rights to Travis County. This historic contribution allows the county to purchase the 1,507-acre RGK Ranch and transform it into a public park.
“The Scott family’s incredible act of philanthropy ensures the beautiful and ecologically significant RGK Ranch will be preserved for generations to come,” said Ann Howard, Travis County Commissioner. “This new park will provide invaluable recreational opportunities for our community while safeguarding vital natural resources.”
Given the land’s highly sought after location, the RGK Ranch has received multiple offers north of $130 million and attracted interest from developers worldwide. Recognizing the land’s unique ecological impact and its benefit to the community, Nadya Scott, on behalf of the Scott family, chose to partner with Travis County and donate her family’s ownership shares to enable a reduced purchase price of $90 million.
The land was originally purchased by George and Ronya Kozmetsky in 1970 as a family ranch, and over the years the family expanded its land holdings to accumulate nearly 1,600 acres. Mr. Kozmetsky, Ph.D., is widely credited as a central figure in establishing the region’s technology economy. Upon the Kozmetsky’s passing, the land was inherited by their daughter Nadya Scott, son Gregory Kozmetsky, and their respective children.
Located in Western Travis County between Hamilton Pool Road and Highway 71, the RGK Ranch boasts rolling hills, canyons, and vistas. The property is home to diverse native plants and animals, includes two streams, and sits above the critical Trinity aquifer. Historically a cattle ranch, the RGK Ranch transitioned to conservation and forestry management practices under the guidance of Gregory Kozmetsky. The ranch was awarded Stewardship status under the Texas Forest Service at Texas A&M.
“I want to preserve the land for future generations because I have seen what happens when the land around a city becomes so valuable that it is sold, and little wild area is preserved,” said Scott. “I believe in protecting unique land for the future and I am glad that people before me also wanted to protect land so that I can explore beautiful areas in my travels. The RGK Ranch is a beautiful and unique part of Texas.”
“Austin and Central Texas are beloved by the Scott and Kozmetsky families,” said Jordan Scott, Nadya’s son. “The cherished memories our family created on this land will now be shared with our community. I am honored by my mother’s decision to preserve and protect this land.”
Beyond recreation, the RGK Ranch public park will play a vital role in protecting the environment. Undeveloped land like this acts as a natural filter, absorbing rainwater, replenishing aquifers, and contributing excess run-off water directly to Lake Travis. This is crucial for Travis County, as the area faces water scarcity concerns. The park will also create wildlife corridors, allowing animals to move freely between habitats. The park is expected to open to the public in late 2025.
“Due to the families’ generosity and the foresight of Travis County, a large and very valuable property with significant conservation value will become parkland, benefiting wildlife, water quality, and future park goers in our community,” says Jeff Francell, associate director of land protection for The Nature Conservancy in Texas, an environmental nonprofit organization. “The Nature Conservancy is proud to have played a part in making this happen.”
Francell assisted Travis County and the Scott and the Kozmetsky families in facilitating the transaction. Ann Howard, county commissioner, and County Judge Andy Brown led the efforts to acquire the land on behalf of Travis County. Funds to purchase the land were made possible through the Travis County Proposition B Parks Bond Measure, which passed in November 2023.
“The RGK Ranch offers a unique opportunity to expand park access for our growing community while safeguarding our green spaces and critical natural resources,” said Judge Brown. “The Scott family's generosity also ensures that future generations will have the chance to experience the beauty and ecological value of this land. We look forward to collaborating with the community to develop a park that reflects the diverse needs and interests of our residents.”
Davis Adams with Jones Lang Lasalle represented the Scott and Kozmetsky families for the real-estate transaction. Jane Snoddy Smith and Emily Jung with JAE Law Group represented the Scott family in structuring and executing the transaction.