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Park Planning & Development
The City of New Braunfels has over 700 acres of park land that consists of developed parks and undeveloped open space providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities to meet your leisure needs. The Park Development Manager is responsible for park and trail planning, project construction (in conjunction with the Capital Improvements Division), monitoring the Parkland Dedication Ordinance, and grant writing.
For more information about park and trail planning and current park projects contact the Park Administrative Office at (830) 221-4350 or parks@newbraunfels.gov.
What We're Working On!
Park projects are in one of two stages: planning or construction. During the planning stages staff, consultants, and the public are engaged to determine the needs, ideas and feasibility of a project. Once funding has been secured for a project the project moves to the construction stage. Parks and Capital Program staff work closely to manage bids, construction and delivery of a project.
In Planning
Sports Complex Phase 1 (2019 Bond)
Dry Comal Creek Greenway (Segment 1)
Alligator Creek Trail (Phase 1)
Landa Lake Dam & Spillway
The City of New Braunfels requires subdivision applicants (residential only) to dedicate land for parks, or to pay a fee that the City can then use to acquire land or develop park facilities. This is known as the Park Land Dedication Ordinance. The City’s first Park Land Dedication and Development Ordinance was passed in 2006. Since that time, population, land values, and other costs associated with park development have increased; therefore, in 2018 revisited and updated the ordinance to reflect current values.
The basic principle of park land dedication ordinances requires development to proportionately share the burden of meeting the needs of a growing community. As land is subdivided for residential development (growth) the demand for new park amenities is preserved through the dedication of park land, or fees paid in-lieu of land, and park development fees are collected to aid the City in the development neighborhood/community park lands to help meet the demand of the new growth.
More specifically, New Braunfels’ parkland dedication requirements use a formula to determine park land requirements and park development fee calculations. These formulas consider current population, current levels of service, and the current cost of land and construction. These values help to establish the elements of a park land dedication ordinance:
1.) Land Requirement, or a fee-in-lieu of land dedication,
2.) Park Development Fee.
For more information please download the Park Land Dedication Manual. It provides details to the ordinance requirements and process to meet the intent of the 2018 Park Land Ordinance.
Park District Maps: Interactive or PDF
2018 Park Land Dedication Ordinance
2018 Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PDF)
2018 Park Land Dedication Manual
2006 Ordinance
PARK & TRAIL PLANS
Alligator Creek Trail
The city held an open house to receive public comments for this project on June 5th, 2023 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the NBU Service Center located at 355 FM 306. Online Comments will be accepted on the project until July 5, 2023 by clicking on the link below. Project exhibits can also be viewed below by clicking on the additional information icon.
Conceptual & Preliminary Design
East Alligator Creek Trail Proposed Alignment
West Alligator Creek Trail Proposed Alignment
Project Overview:
Alligator Creek Trail is an identified Opportunity Area on the City’s Hike & Bike Trail Plan. It is envisioned as a linear trail park that will have multi-use paths, natural and bike facilities to provide clear and safe connections to local destinations, and links to neighborhoods within the Geronimo and Alligator Creek Watershed. The project scope area encompasses the northwest side of the City to Alligator Creek out to IH-35 and portions within the ETJ. Over the last few years, several commercial and residential development have installed segments of the proposed trail.
To create a trail that is beneficial and seamless, the City has contracted with Vickrey & Associates to develop a conceptual and preliminary design analysis to coordinate with stakeholders, determine potential trail alignments, and identify future funding. This effort will also allow for this proposed trail to be eligible for federal and state funding.
Preliminary Design Cost & Timeline:
The total cost for the preliminary design is $83,340.78 and will be funded in part with City park development funds ($25,340.78) and New Braunfels EDC funds ($58,000). The preliminary design is estimated to take three months to complete.
Alligator Creek Trail Steering Committee:
- Thomas Blagg, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
- Kristen Carden, NBEDC/4B Board
- Jonathan McJunkin, Oak Creek Estates
- Jenna Walker, Comal Trails Alliance
- Chris Featherson, Wasser Ranch
- Ryan Garcia, Northwest Crossing
- Michael Meyer, Tri-County Disc Golf
- Debra Neumann Howell, Cloud Country
- Dr. Evgenia Spears, Geronimo-Alligator Creek Partnership, TAMU-Ag Ext
The city will hold an open house to receive public comments for this project on June 5th 2023 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the NBU Service Center located at 355 FM 306. Online Comments will be accepted on the projects until July 5, 2023.
Callen's Castle All Abilities Park
Callen’s Castle is a partnership project with New Braunfels Parks Foundation, Callen Hughs Foundation and the City of New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department. Callen’s Castle will be an all abilities park, much like Morgan’s Wonderland or Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock. The park will feature special equipment that will allow children and adults, regardless of their abilities, to play together.
Below is the approved Master Plan, area enlargements, along with a park image board.
In December 2014, City Council approved a four acre site on FM 1044 for the future park.
In July 2015, two public input meetings were held, in addition to an online survey asking for community input on the future park.
Based on community feedback a Master Plan was developed, presented and ultimately approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in November 2015. Click here to view the approved Callen’s Castle Master Plan.
The future park will include amenities such as, swings and a merry-go-round specifically for wheelchairs, foam mats, a sensory area that incorporates textures and music, a playscape with ramps and all abilities play-field and parking.
| Cost Estimate | To be determined based on approved Master Plan |
| Funding Source | Fundraising efforts of the New Braunfels Parks Foundation and Callen Hughs Foundation |
| Current Status-Progress | Fundraising |
| Next Step | Continue fundraising |
Resources
- Approved Master Plan of Callen's Castle
- For details on Callen’s Castle All Abilities Park fundraising efforts visit
www.callenhughsfoundation.com or www.nbparksfoundation.org
Dry Comal Creek Greenway Master Plan - View Video
In late 2017, the City was awarded a technical assistance grant by the National Park Service through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to develop a master plan for the Dry Comal Creek Nature Trail. The trail was adopted as a part of the Citywide Hike and Bike Trail Plan in 2010. This plan envisioned the Dry Comal Creek Nature Trail to extend north toward downtown and to the south toward Solms Park and neighboring communities. The approximate length of the greenway trail is five to six miles along the Dry Comal Creek. The City was awarded a technical assistance grant to develop a master plan for this vision by the National Park Service through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program.
The purpose of the technical assistance grant is to:
- Develop a public engagement plan for a citywide trail system.
- Outreach to stakeholder groups, public and private, for participation in the trail planning process.
- Identify funding and implementation resources for the greenway trail project.
Project Steering Committee
The project steering committee includes representatives from the following groups or governmental entities:
- Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO)
- City of New Braunfels Engineering, Park and Planning Departments
- Comal Trails Alliance
- Comal County
- New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
- Texas Department of Transportation
Outreach and Public Engagement
- Community meeting was held on August 22, 2018.
- Wednesday, November 14 ,2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Westside Community Center located on 2932 S. IH 35 Frontage Road.
- Fischer Park Fallfest
- Library morning and evenings throughout the month of November and December to gather additional feedback from residents.
Additional stakeholder meetings:
- Safety
- Property/Land Owners Workshop was held on July 10. 2019
Dry Comal Creek Greenway Resources
- Dry Comal Creek Greenway Master Plan
- Dry Comal Creek Greenway Master Plan Map
- Preliminary Design Report (Segment 1)
- Dry Comal Creek Greenway Map Segment 1
- Benefits of Greenway
- Trail Amenities
- Trail Paving Options
Preliminary Design Public Meeting
Preliminary design of the Dry Comal Creek Trail - Segment 1 has been completed and the City is providing and opportunity for public input on the design at an open house style public meeting on August 24th,2023 at New Braunfels City Hall from 6:00-7:00 P.M. Links to view the handout or provide comments online are provided below.
The Landa Park Design Principles were a combined effort of a committee of New Braunfels citizens as well as city staff. The Landa Park Design Principles are a response to the need for consistency and harmonious design throughout the park.
The principles are a design supplement for the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department to provide safe, aesthetic, long-lasting and sustainable spaces. The principles are a guide for beneficial preservation, restoration and reconstruction within Landa Park.
The principles were adopted by City Council on January 9, 2012.
Bound copies are available for reference at the New Braunfels Public Library, Sophienburg Museum and the Parks and Recreation Department main office.
Landa Park & Arboretum Master Plan
The City of New Braunfels retained Asakura Robinson to develop a master plan for Landa Park and the Arboretum. Preparation of the plan included a thorough public engagement effort. The project scope of services included: a comprehensive assessment of all Landa Park facilities, maintenance programs, programming and visitor use, accessibility review for compliance with Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and ADA, and preparation of concept designs.
| Cost Estimate | $75,500 ($70,000 for the finalization of the Master Plan) ($5,500 for reimbursable expenses) |
| Funding Source | $50,000 2011 Certificates of Obligation; $25,500 2012 Certificates of Obligation |
| Current Status-Adopted | Final Master Plan was adopted by City Council on August 28, 2017 |
Market Plaza Master Plan
Market Plaza is a 0.7 acre park located at 292 Tolle Street in Downtown New Braunfels. A Master Plan for the park was developed in 2014 by seeking input from stakeholders including the Downtown Association, Historic Landmark Commission, Downtown Board and neighborhood residents through a series of public meetings and an online survey. Phase 1 improvements were completed in 2020 to include updated landscaping, pergola, picnic tables, sidewalks, and park sign.
Based on the community feedback a proposed design concept was developed and presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on July 20, 2015. Click here to view the proposed Market Plaza Master Plan.
Phase 2
Funding Source
New Braunfels Parks Foundation is raising funds for phase 2 renovations through annual Wein & Saengerfest activities.
Current Status - Progress
Phase 1 construction completed in 2020
Next Step
Continue fundraising for future phases
Resources
Mission Hill Park
Mission Hill Park is a ten acre property located 2100 Independence Drive. The parcel was dedicated to the New Braunfels Park Foundation in 2012. The Foundation is holding the land in trust for the City of New Braunfels for use as a future public park.
The City contracted with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates to develop a Master Plan for the property in January 2016. The design team worked to develop a Master Plan representative of the input garnered from steering committee members, public input meetings, online survey, historic research and staff input.
The Mission Hill Park Master Plan includes amenities such as walking trails, a scenic overlook tower, interpretive signage, parking and preservation of the natural environment. Cost estimates for completion of the park are $12,155,000. This project will be included on the May 2023 Bond Ballot.
Mission Hill Park Resources
NEW BRAUNFELS CEMETERY FIELD OF GRAVES MEMORIAL PROJECT
Preserve. Educate. Honor.
This memorial project will honor the sacrifice made by numerous souls who died while settling New Braunfels and were buried in unmarked graves at the historic New Braunfels Cemetery. The memorial is an opportunity to tell the story of brave families, create pride in our community and honor the souls interred in unmarked graves.
With the help of your generous donations, this memorial will become an interpretive teaching space helping residents better understand our history. The memorial will be a destination for visitors providing a connection with the past. The memorial will include an eight-foot stone monument, educational signs, native prairie meditation meadow, seating and walking paths.
Parks & Recreation Strategic Master Plan
Where we are today, Where are we going tomorrow, How do we get there?
This document is the culmination of an extensive planning process involving the elected officials, staff, Parks and Recreation Steering Committee, and most importantly the citizens of New Braunfels. Our purpose is to create a timeless document that represents the vision for the parks system over the next ten years. This document is intended to guide the parks system, but also incorporates flexibility in responding to unique opportunities as they arise.
River Properties Master Plan
The purpose of this project was to create a park vision plan for City owned property along the Guadalupe River, near River Acres Park. In recent years, the City has purchased several properties due to flooding issues. The River Properties Vision Plan was developed to guide future improvements for the City owned properties, River Acres Park and the adjacent area.
In June 2016, City Council approved a contract with Freese and Nichols for the development of a Master Plan. A series of public input meetings and an online survey were held. The solicited input guided the consultant team in drafting a park vision plan document. The proposed vision plan was reviewed at public input meetings on December 2016 and January 2017.
The River Properties Vision Plan was presented and approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City Council at a join workshop on March 27th, 2017.
Project Funding
Park Improvement Fund - Quadrant 1: $49,950
Resources
River Properties Vision Plan (PDF)
River Properties Concept - As presented on 12/13/16
River Properties Pedestrian Underpass Rendering - As presented on 12/13/16
About the Project
In Proposition 3 of the 2013 Bond Program voters approved funding for the acquisition of land for development of a future sports complex, and in August of 2015 City Council approved the expenditure of $50,000 in 4B funds to fund a feasibility study for the project. PROS Consulting is conducting the feasibility study.
Public meetings were held on October and November 2015 providing the community with an update on the project vision, steps and schedule and presented the market analysis. In addition to the input meeting, an online survey was conducted and over 200 responses were collected.
As the feasibility study progressed, the project team realized the overwhelming need for a more global look at athletic field needs within the City of New Braunfels to include current field assessments, future land needs (aside from the current sports complex), and potential partnerships.This Athletic Field Master Planning effort would need to take place concurrent to the Sports Complex Feasibility Study in order to have a complete understanding of the local need as well as the potential sports tourism.
Luck Design Team and PROS Consulting completed the Athletic Fields Master Plan and Sports Complex Feasibility Study.
Funding
Feasibility Study funded by 4B Board funds, $50,000
Current Status/Progress
- 4B Board approved the Feasibility Study as presented on October 27, 2016
- New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the Feasibility Study as presented on October 27, 2016
- City Council approved the Sports Complex Feasibility Study at a workshop on November 28, 2016