It was an incredible year for Boerne with a lot to celebrate – from historic investments in the City’s parks system to progress made on major City projects.
There were also some hard moments for the community as we mourned those lost in the Hill Country flooding and said goodbye to beloved police K-9 Chico. Throughout it all, the Boerne community continued to show its compassion and care for one another.
We’ll recap it all right here with the tops stories on My Boerne News in 2025!
Engage and Play
Ammie’s Playground at City Park opens with ribbon-cutting celebration
The community turned out in March for the opening of the newly renovated Ammie’s Playground at City Park, which now proudly boasts several new accessible play features. It was renamed Ammie’s Playground in honor of Annmarie “Ammie” Palacios, a special young girl who called Boerne home during her short but impactful life.
Born with developmental and muscular challenges, Ammie encountered many barriers that made the playground difficult to enjoy. Thanks to Ammie’s unbreakable spirit and the determination of her mother, Brady, the City was able to make several accessible enhancements to ensure everyone can play at the park.
A new smooth, rubberized surface was installed in place of mulch to allow easier access for children using mobility aids and to better absorb impact. Other new features include a celebration spinner, inclusive spinning seat, butterfly photo station, toddler musical instruments, a 12-foot sensory board, and a buddy bench to foster connection.
City breaks ground on Northside Community Park
Boerne residents, City staff, and community partners gathered in early September 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. The City also received a $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to be used for the park’s development.
The new park, approved by voters in the 2022 bond election, will feature an all-abilities playground, splashpad, two multi-use sports fields with lights, two covered basketball courts, 12 outdoor pickleball courts, a dog park, and an ADA walking trail. Since breaking ground, crews have made progress on grading at the site, completed a roadway cut through the trees, and more.
Potty Time: Boerne celebrates new restroom at Kinderpark
The lack of a potty has cut many a visit to Boerne’s beloved Kinderpark short over the years. Until May, that is, when the City cut the ceremonial toilet paper ribbon on a brand-new restroom facility right there at the park.
Kinderpark has been a Boerne favorite for many years with its shaded play areas, climbing walls, picnic tables, and, of course, the big slide. The decision to add the restroom was the result of resident feedback and staff determination.
Library Bookmobile takes to the street
Patrons of Boerne’s Patrick Heath Public Library are already benefiting from the City’s new Bookmobile, which was delivered in October. The van has already completed its first homebound delivery run, enabling library staff to take books and other materials straight to the doors of patrons who might not be able to make it out to the library.
The van features built-in bookshelves, a mobile cart, a TV monitor for projection, and a large retractable awning. Staff have big plans for 2026 and are excited for all the ways to incorporate the bookmobile into library programming and educational outreach.
City News
Boerne stands with neighbors in response to flooding
As flooding in the Hill Country claimed the lives of dozens of Texans, the people of Boerne jumped into action to serve those in need and provide crucial assistance to the rescue and recovery effort.
My Boerne News shared reliable information on how to give back by volunteering and contributing both financially and with physical donations. Staff from the City of Boerne – including police, fire, IT, and communications – responded locally and to the most heavily impacted areas in Kerr County, providing crucial support in the hours, days, and weeks after the flooding.
City incorporates resident feedback into Buc-ee’s project
After nearly a decade of waiting for TxDOT construction along I-10 to be completed and COVID-era delays, the planned Buc-ee’s in Boerne is progressing toward construction. The City of Boerne gathered feedback from residents during neighborhood meetings and City Council meetings on sentiment toward the project.
Based on that feedback, the City approached Buc-ees’ on an amendment to the development agreement, which was approved in October. The amendment includes several key priorities of residents and City leadership, such as building size limitations, a cap on the number of fueling stations, signage changes, buffer space, and more.
New Year, New Garbage and Recycling Schedule
Boerne residents and utility customers read up on collection schedule changes that take effect at the start of January. The City is working with its collection provider WM to streamline services and simplify collection routes.
Starting in January, trash and recycling collection will move to the same day for all Boerne Utilities customers. There are no changes to bulk or brush collection.
Charter amendments approved by voters in May
In May, Boerne residents approved amendments to the City’s charter, the governing document that outlines how the City of Boerne operates. The amendments were the result of recommendations by the Charter Review Commission.
The amendments include an increase in the term length for elected members of City Council and the mayor from two to three years. Other changes include a new requirement for the City Charter to be reviewed every 10 years and other charter language clarifications.
Public Safety
Boerne Police Department mourns K-9 Chico
The heart of the Boerne community was on full display after the tragic loss of Boerne Police Department K-9 Chico, who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in April.
Hundreds gathered at a memorial service in his honor to celebrate the life he lived and his service to the community.
Major progress made on design of upcoming Fire Station No. 2
Over the summer, Fire Chief Manny Casarez provided a detailed update to City Council on the progress of Fire Station No. 2. Currently in the advanced planning stages, the new fire station is being designed around three key guiding principles: future-proofing, functionality, and culture.
Located along Esperanza Boulevard on the east side of the department’s service territory, the facility will go far beyond standard fire operations. It will feature a community meeting room that also functions as a firefighter training space and a backup emergency operations center.
Boerne police officers, dispatch honored at annual ceremony
The Boerne Police Department held its annual awards ceremony in February, honoring officers and staff with Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Top Gun, Fit For Duty Award, and Dispatcher of the year.
“It is always and honor to recognize the unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership of our officers and dispatch staff, whose commitment to service sets the highest standard for our department,” Chief Steve Perez said. “Your courage, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence make our community safer and stronger — thank you for all that you do.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The stories in this recap alone were read more than 27,000 times by more than 24,000 visitors. In all of 2025, My Boerne News brought you 104 stories about your community.
With 2025 in the rearview, the City of Boerne is excited to continue to bring you the latest news and happenings that impact you the most. Thank you for reading MyBoerneNews.com and stayed tuned as we ring in the new year!
