By Chris Shadrock
The City of Boerne Parks and Recreation Department continues to make strides in improving its facilities and events, aligning the department’s efforts to incorporate the feedback of citizens.
In a community that loves getting out and about, residents have voiced a clear desire to invest in green and open spaces, with 47 percent rating it as the highest priority in the 2023 Citizen Survey. Additionally, 33 percent of respondents wanted to see more City beautification efforts.
Boerne’s community spirit shines through in its participation in City-sponsored events such as Dickens on Main and the Weihnachts Parade, which welcomed nearly 77,000 people over the course of two weekends in 2023.
“We are committed to providing beautiful, functional, and enjoyable parks and family fun events for our community,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “It’s exciting to see our plans come to life, especially Northside Community Park, knowing they reflect the desires and needs of our residents.”
RELATED: 2022 Quality of Life Bond Election
As part of the 2022 bond election, residents approved $13 million for green space improvements at multiple City parks, including the development of the 35-acre Northside Community Park.
The development of Northside Community Park as identified on the Parks Master Plan, is expected to begin in summer 2025, with phase one preliminarily including the following park features:
- All-abilities playscape
- Pickleball courts
- Splashpad
- Multi-use soccer and football fields with lights
- Covered basketball pavilion
- Dog park
- Walking trail
- Additional flexible open space
Other parks projects funded in the 2022 bond election will be completed in early 2025, including the installation of permanent lighting at a multiuse field at City Park. Permanent lighting will also be added to a softball field at Northrup Park, along with new sod and irrigation.
Also noted in the citizen survey was the need for a permanent restroom at Kinderpark. That project was prioritized by staff and City Council and is expected to be completed in March 2025 with the installation of the new restroom and ADA compliant sidewalk connecting it to the parking area. (Note: The Kinderpark restroom was initially expected to be completed in late 2024, but backordered materials have pushed back the timeline.)
“It is no mystery why Boerne loves being outdoors enjoying the Texas Hill Country, it is part of our community charm,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “Being able to improve our green spaces and enhance our events is a direct result of their feedback, and it’s important we deliver on what residents want to see incorporated.”
Additionally, in June 2024 City Council approved two grant applications for submission to the state for consideration of up to $2.25 million in funding. The funds, if granted, would help leverage the voter-approved bond funds to further allow the Parks and Recreation Department to enhance facilities within our parks.
Furthermore, the Boerne Parks and Recreation Department has identified two new activities specifically geared toward their pre-teen audience, which will launch in 2025. Chalk the Block, a sidewalk art competition, and Kite Day at Boerne City Lake were selected to increase recreational opportunities for kids in the Boerne community.
By working collaboratively, the City is ensuring our green space and City-sponsored events reflect our community’s rich history while expanding on the evolving needs of the future.
