Amid the sound of rising walls and concrete being poured near the intersection of Alder and Toepperwein roads, environmental enhancements are taking shape at Boerne Heritage Volkspark, the City of Boerne’s next signature park.
Several of these features will remain out of sight when the $17.25 million project opens to the public in 2027.
“This is the single largest parks investment the City has ever made,” City Councilman Ty Wolosin said. “We worked hard to ensure new and innovative water conservation features were included.”
Before rainwater reaches one of two primary detention basins, a perforated underground drain system will collect and carry filtered stormwater to the storm drain system. By combining clay and soil, the system allows for proper filtration and absorption.
“Environmental responsibility is a key tenet at the City of Boerne, and it has been central to both our planning and construction,” Special Projects Director Paul Barwick said. “One of the biggest features will be our stormwater bioretention system, or the management and control of stormwater and runoff.”
The new park will utilize rainwater catchment to support multiple vegetation strips, making full use of natural rainfall.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with the Boerne chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas,” Barwick said. “By installing a 5,500-gallon rainwater harvest tank near the food truck area, their volunteers will be able to access collected rainwater to maintain nearby landscaping.”
Native plants and trees will provide additional filtration for the rainwater flowing into detention basins, helping to remove organic compounds.
“This project has truly been a balancing act as we create a park with the amenities residents want while preserving its natural features,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “When the park opens, I believe the community will see that balance beautifully realized.”
In addition to preserving more than 96 percent of existing trees, nearly 100 new trees will be planted during construction. Additionally, several of the park’s nearly 40 acres will be left undisturbed.
The two multipurpose fields will also feature a high-performance irrigation system designed to reduce water waste while maintaining safe and durable playing surfaces year-round.
All together, these features align with the City’s drainage protection zones and low-impact development requirements and mark the first time they have been incorporated into a public green space project in Boerne and Kendall County.
Features and Amenities
The nearly 40-acre Heritage Volkspark is being developed into the City of Boerne’s premier destination for parks and recreation. Phase one 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
- Half-mile paved ADA walking trail
“Seeing this project come to life, with environmental features that go above and beyond requirements, is a testament to the years of thoughtful planning behind it,” City Councilman Joseph Macaluso said. “I know the entire Boerne community will enjoy Heritage Volkspark.”
Park History
The City of Boerne purchased the land following a voter-approved bond program in 2007. Since then, the site has seen minor improvements, including the addition of a skate park and restroom facility.
In 2022, residents approved another bond program to invest millions into fully developing the park. The project also received a $750,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
In June 2026, Boerne City Council unanimously approved renaming Northside Community Park to Boerne Heritage Volkspark after seeking community input. The new name reflects the deep history of Boerne and the community’s German roots while recognizing the space as the people’s park.
Construction on the park is nearly 50 percent complete with a grand opening and dedication planned for spring 2027.
As construction continues, the project stands as a reflection of the City’s commitment to thoughtful growth – where environmental stewardship and community investment are coming together to shape a park built for generations to enjoy.
