The city of New Braunfels will hold a grant application public hearing on Sept. 24 to gather feedback on its application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, or ORLP, Program for proposed improvements to County Line Memorial Trail.
What residents need to know
The grant application is for fiscal year 2027 and works to support efforts to create new outdoor recreation opportunities, revitalize parks and strengthen connections between residents and nature, according to a city news release.
City officials are encouraging residents to provide input on the project’s floodplain components and potential environmental impacts.
The proposed improvements for the 2.2-mile trail include:
Replacing outdoor exercise stations along the trail
Reconfiguring the parking lot at the West County Line Road trailhead
Upgrading irrigation systems
Enhancing landscaping
Renovating Kraft Park
Widening the trail from 8 feet to 12 feet
Proposed Kraft Park renovations include replacing the pavilion, updating playground equipment and surfacing, adding playground shade and expanding the outdoor fitness area. City staff are also exploring the possibility of a quarter-mile trail connection to FM 1044, according to the release.
Portions of County Line Memorial Trail also fall within the 100-year floodplain and regulatory floodway. Proposed construction could lead to temporary soil disturbances or changes to paved surfaces. Construction in the floodplain would require city permitting and an engineering analysis showing the project will not increase flood levels, the release states.
Why it matters
If the application is approved by City Council and the TPWD awards the grant to the city, the ORLP grant funds would be matched 50% with park development district funds to complete the improvements. However, the project will only move forward if the grant is approved, the release states.
