By Chris Shadrock
Big changes are coming to Boerne’s most visited park thanks to a collaborative partnership with the Boerne Parks Association.
Boerne City Park is set to undergo significant upgrades to make its playground area more accessible and enjoyable for all residents, with construction beginning Monday, January 6. The enhancements, which will take approximately 8-10 weeks to complete, aim to create an inclusive play environment while modernizing the facility.
The playground will feature a variety of new equipment designed to be accessible for children of all abilities. Additions include:
- Celebration Spinner
- Inclusive Swing Seat
- Butterfly Photo Station
- Toddler Musical Instrument
- Buddy Bench to foster friendship and connection
Crews will also replace the current mulch surface with rubber matting, providing a safer, cleaner surface that absorbs impact. It also allows for easier access for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and other forms of mobility assistance.
“We’re thrilled to work collaboratively with the Boerne Parks Association to bring these much-needed improvements to our community,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “This project reflects our shared commitment to creating welcoming spaces for every resident to enjoy.”
BPA raised the full $150,000 for the upgrades to the playscape.
City Park, Boerne’s first park, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1965, when the City purchased the land with the help of a federal grant to bring a variety of amenities. Today, the park boasts:
- Paved, ADA-accessible trails
- Picnic tables
- Covered playground
- Restrooms
- Water fountains
- WiFi
- Lighted soccer fields
- Lighted tennis courts
- The only public pool in Kendall County
On average, nearly 236,000 people visit the 125-acre park every year.
Mayor Frank Ritchie also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in public spaces.
“Enhancing our public spaces to be more inclusive is a vital step toward ensuring every Boerne resident feels valued and supported,” Ritchie said. “These upgrades represent our commitment to making Boerne a place where everyone can thrive.”
In addition to the playground upgrades, City Park will see further enhancements this spring and summer. New lighting at the soccer fields is slated for installation as part of the 2022 bond election approved by voters. Additionally, two of the tennis courts will be refurbished in January and restriped to provide eight dedicated pickleball courts.
While these three projects are separate, they highlight the City’s continued efforts to improve and expand recreational opportunities at the park.
The playground area will be closed during construction, but residents can look forward to a revitalized space that reflects Boerne’s dedication to accessibility, safety, and community connection.
