THE JOURNEY TO DARK SKIES

Liberty Hill has been designated an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, making it the first such community in Williamson County and joining just 8 other certified Dark Sky Places in Texas. This designation is a significant milestone for the fast-growing Hill Country city, reflecting a strong community commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky amid ongoing development.

Located 33 miles northwest of Austin, Liberty Hill sits between the forks of the San Gabriel River and is surrounded by scenic hills, historic architecture, and a vibrant small-town culture. With a population now exceeding 13,700, the city continues to attract new families drawn to its schools, parks, and welcoming spirit. Founded in the mid-1800s, Liberty Hill has worked to balance its rapid growth with efforts to preserve its historic charm—and now, its night skies.

The effort to become a Dark Sky Community began in 2020, when concerned citizens formed the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars volunteer group during COVID-19 lockdowns. The group partnered closely with the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission to draft an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, which was adopted in 2022. Since then, the City has inventoried more than 1,100 lights, initiated lighting retrofits across City Hall, the Stubblefield Building, and public parks, and committed to completing all city retrofits, including streetlights maintained by Pedernales Electric Coop, by August 2027.

To support compliance of City facilities, an initial budget of $10,000 was approved by City Council for 2025 and will focus on the lights in the City Park. Phase 2, in 2026, will be budgeted for $50,000, and Phase 3 planned for 2027 is estimated at $75,000 to retrofit the remaining city facilities. $5,000 annually is planned for education and awareness. In parallel, Save Our Stars has conducted night lighting audits, hosted annual public star parties in collaboration with the Austin Astronomical Society, designed awareness materials, staffed booths at the Whimsy & Wonder Festival and LH Market, and launched the “Night Sky Friendly Business” program to recognize responsible lighting in the community.

“Liberty Hill’s commitment to preserving the night sky is a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose and passion,” said Cindy Luongo Cassidy, Board President of DarkSky Texas. “This designation is more than a title—it’s a reflection of Liberty Hill’s regional leadership and a powerful reminder that protecting our skies protects our quality of life. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible achievement.”

“Growing up in Liberty Hill, I loved the night skies with the stars and fireflies,” said Dr. Diane Williams, Liberty Hill City Councilmember and former Planning & Zoning Commissioner. “As the city grew, so did the light pollution that threatened to take that away. I am very thankful to the Save Our Stars volunteer group and the city leaders who initiated the effort for the lighting ordinance. I am really proud and excited that our city has reached this major milestone.”

“Becoming the first Dark Sky city in Williamson County is a proud moment for Liberty Hill and a shining example of what grassroots action can accomplish,” said Donna Leonard, Founder of Liberty Hill Save Our Stars. “For over four years, the volunteers of Liberty Hill Save Our Stars have worked tirelessly to protect our night skies—not just for ourselves, but for future generations. In Texas, the stars at night are supposed to be big and bright. This designation honors that heritage and reflects our community’s deep commitment to preserving what makes our Hill Country home so special.”

Looking ahead, Liberty Hill’s Dark Sky Committee has several initiatives in development. These include partnering with other aspiring Dark Sky cities to host workshops, launching a Tri-County Star Party at River Ranch County Park, and expanding outreach through local homeowners’ associations to promote the Five Principles of Responsible Lighting. Ongoing sky darkness monitoring will ensure continued compliance and data tracking for the city’s night skies.