By Robert Taylor
Boerne residents, City staff, and community partners gathered Wednesday morning under the shade of dozens of heritage oak trees to celebrate the groundbreaking of Northside Community Park.
The ceremony marked the start of the $17.3 million construction project – the largest single investment in parks and open spaces in Boerne’s history.
“This project is a testament to what makes Boerne so special – a community that comes together, listens to one another, and invests in the quality of life,” Mayor Frank Ritchie said. “We are here to celebrate the beginning of something that will bring joy, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.”
A Park for All of Boerne
Over the next 12-18 months, the nearly 40-acre park will be transformed into the City of Boerne’s premier destination for parks and recreation. The first phase of the project will include several high-value amenities, including:
- All-abilities playground
- Splashpad
- 2 multi-use sports fields with lights
- 2 covered basketball courts
- 12 outdoor pickleball courts
- Dog park
- Food truck park
- ADA walking trail
“I have the privilege of working every day on projects and events that bring joy, health, and connection to our community,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “I can honestly say that the groundbreaking for Northside Community Park is one of the most exciting moments of my career.”
The City of Boerne purchased the land following a voter-approved bond program in 2007. Since then, the area has seen minor additions and improvements, including a skate park restroom facility. In 2022, Boerne residents once again approved a bond program to invest millions into the parkland and see it developed into its full potential.
The park will also benefit from a $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The about 100 people in attendance were able to take guided tours on ATVs to see the layout of the new park with interpretative signage placed at the locations of future amenities.
Environmental Stewardship
Years of planning have gone into the design of this park, centered on the Parks Master Plan as a guide for its development. A key tenet of the City’s vision is environmental responsibility, which is reflected in the preservation of 96 percent of the trees already on the parkland. An additional 100 trees will be planted during construction.
“This park is another clear example of how we can take community input, align it with strategic goals, and deliver something extraordinary,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “This groundbreaking is proof of that process at work. It is part of our broader vision to invest in infrastructure, strengthen our neighborhoods, and provide amenities that will serve both today’s residents and future generations.”
The new Northside Community Park will also feature rainwater catchment systems, grass filter strips, and landscaping with native and drought-tolerant plants. Along with stormwater bioretention and detention basins, these efforts will ensure that this park is not only a place of recreation, but a model of sustainability.
Construction Begins
A temporary fence has been set up around the park as crews begin work. The existing skate park and restroom facility will be closed to the public during construction.
The first phase of work, led by Waterman Construction, will focus on the site preparations, including extensive grading and earthwork.
Visit the City’s website for project updates.
