PRESENTER: Presenter
Brenadette Faust, Capital Projects Manager
Jordan Matney, Deputy City Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation and discussion on the Northwest Park Master Plan.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Construction Services; Parks and Recreation
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The 2017 Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan identified a need to acquire 152 acres of Community Park space and 189 acres of Neighborhood Park space to meet the community's adopted level of service standards. The plan also identified priority projects and areas of the city that fell below those standards. The Northwest quadrant of New Braunfels was identified as both deficient in parkland and a high-growth area, underscoring the need for land acquisition in that part of the City.
In 2021, the Northwest Community Park Development project was further evaluated for possible inclusion in the 2023 bond program. Ultimately, Mission Hill Park was selected for inclusion in the bond program while other projects remained under consideration for future development. During this same period, the City was also advancing the Alligator Creek Hike and Bike Trail Plan for property dedicated to the City along Alligator Creek for park use. That plan identified the need to acquire additional property or an access easement to complete the trail connection to FM 1101.
In 2024, two parcels of land became available along the Alligator Creek corridor adjacent to 15.03 acres dedicated to the City and held by the New Braunfels Parks Foundation for future park use. The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation authorized an expenditure of up to $8,000,000 for the purchase of the two properties, and City Council approved that expenditure on February 12, 2024.
On December 9, 2024, City Council authorized a contract with RVi Architecture + Planning to prepare a master plan for the newly acquired land and the existing parcel held by the Parks Foundation.
The master planning effort included multiple levels of public and stakeholder engagement to identify the amenities and design characteristics desired by the community. The process also included technical and environmental analysis of the site and coordination with agencies such as Union Pacific Railroad and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The final master plan document and its appendices are the results of this effort and create the vision for how the property may be developed, operated and managed in the future.
The Master Plan was presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on October 13, 2026 and the board unanimously voted to recommend adoption to City Council.
ISSUE:
Adoption of the master plan will formally establish the vision and planning goals for future development of the park.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
§ Enhanced Connectivity - Set total number of linear feet of gaps and measure progress made through redevelopment, capital investment, etc.
§ Enhanced Connectivity - Increase bikeway, trails, and sidewalk miles
§ Enhanced Connectivity - Increase walk and bike score
§ Community Well-Being - Complete the Parks Master Plan to identify needs including strategic land acquisition, facilities, trails, and programming
§ Community Well-Being - Develop capital and staffing investments that improve safety, reduce heat islands, and encourage transportation modes that support healthier lifestyles and exercise such as biking, walking and running
§ Community Well-Being - Progress toward acres of parkland per 1,000 residents metric as established by updated Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
§ Urban Design & Cultural, Heritage, and Historic Preservation Over-Arching Goals
§ Promote a compact urban fabric that includes walkable streets, mixed-use development, and high-quality public spaces.
§ Parks, Recreation and Open Space Over-Arching Goals
§ Increase the proportion of park acres per population through a variety of park type amenities and open space options.
§ Continue to plan, develop and operate a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that support multiple activities; grow recreation facilities, programs, activities and services in the areas of highest community need.
§ Pursue adequate funding to support existing parks, new parks, and other park types.
§ Provide a park system offering the community a variety of services that integrate environmental design, safety, emerging trends and local culture and history.
§ Establish connectivity between parks, facilities and greenways so that they are accessible by pedestrians, bicycles and a large majority of neighborhoods, to enhance safety and guest comfort, and to expand activities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the master plan does not commit the City to any current financial expenditure. The planning document becomes the roadmap for future development when and if funding is authorized.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A