It’s the people. Newcomers to Cordillera Ranch are often first blown away by the beauty of the Ranch and the amenities. They may be mesmerized by the views across the Guadalupe River valley or the stunning canyon bluffs in Swede Park, but they connect with the people. After enjoying their first round on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and then a refreshing dip in the infinity pool that overlooks this playground, you’re likely to hear, “I know why people love it here; it’s like living in a resort.” My comment is often, “That may attract you to Cordillera Ranch initially, but it’s the people that keep you here.” [And, no, we don’t claim to be responsible for the good fortune of having so many friendly residents!]

It’s the people — the members, residents and staff — that take this from an extraordinary array of unparalleled amenities inside a gated, 8,700-acre community, and make it something truly unique. This issue’s feature, the Sherwood family, specifically note that “it’s the people” that make this community ideal for them. That’s been echoed by most of the other families that the magazine has featured, repeatedly referencing the warm welcome they received after moving here from some far-away town. Throughout this issue of the magazine you really see that common thread.

It extends beyond just residents and members to the staff. You have Club veterans like Shane Reynolds who’s been here since The Club opened, always going out of his way to engage members and do whatever it takes for them to enjoy their experience. You have Gevin Allen, another original member of The Club staff, partnering with a new, but equally friendly and welcoming face, Bryan Gathright, whose collective passion for the junior golf program and player development is already showing results (see their feature on the Junior Golf Association, Junior Tournament Player Program and the Cubs Golf Camp). And speaking of the youth, with so many young families and kids in the neighborhood, see the Summer Camp Adventures feature. It assures an active and vibrant lifestyle with busy summer camps; a lifestyle for all ages.

But the real core of all of the people living and working in Cordillera Ranch is the generosity. There is a generosity of their time and money to help local causes, to help their neighbors and, as illustrated in the TXDOT recognition of the “Families of Cordillera Ranch” feature in this issue, “it’s the outstanding effort and generous contribution of time and energy,” as the state’s accolade so appropriately puts it.  This award by TXDOT to the Families of Cordillera Ranch for their dedication in helping keep our stretch of Highway 46 clean is just one of the many examples where the families here go out of their way to help.

As a stark contrast to the many “takers” of this world, the people of Cordillera Ranch are generous “givers” that give this beautiful Hill Country oasis the heartbeat.  It’s much like the distinction we often draw between a “house” and a “home.” Many communities have luxurious amenities and beauty, but few have such outgoing, welcoming and down-to-earth people. Ultimately, it’s these people that make Cordillera Ranch “home.”

Enjoy your summer with some of the friendliest people around.

Regards,

Charlie Hill
President
Cordillera Ranch