The long-awaited Zipp Family Sports Park in New Braunfels is one step closer to providing space for outdoor play and recreation, following a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 25.

The background

The sports park has been in the works for about a decade, starting with the city's purchase of the land, funded through the 2013 bond. The land purchase was followed by a 25-acre donation from the Zipp family, the park's namesake.

The park, located at Klein Road and FM 1044, will be around 150 acres in total.
The Zipp Family Sports Park will be located at the corner of Klein Road and FM 1044. (Courtesy city of New Braunfels)
The Zipp Family Sports Park will be located at the corner of Klein Road and FM 1044. (Courtesy city of New Braunfels)
The budget for the project has increased over the years, prompting an allocation of an additional $3.5 million earlier this year. Overall, the project will cost about $40.8 million which will be funded by a handful of agencies including city of New Braunfels, the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation, the National Park Service and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Zooming in


Once completed, the sports park will have fields for:
  • Soccer
  • Lacrosse
  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Disc golf
  • Pickleball
  • Volleyball
The park will also feature walking trails, batting cages, a splash pad, a playground, picnic tables, an amphitheater and some retail amenities.

However, the project will be split into multiple phases with the first estimated to take around 15 months. Phase 1 will include:
  • Four baseball
  • Four softball fields
  • Four soccer fields
  • Parking
  • Drainage improvements
What they're saying

"This sports park is much more than just grass and fences ... it represents a commitment to the future of our city," City Council Member Christopher Willis said at the groundbreaking. "By investing in sports and recreation, we are investing in the well-being of our citizens."