The field received improvements at the beginning of March through the completion of bond-funded projects. (Courtesy city of Boerne)
Since 2022, voter-approved propositions in Boerne and Kendall County have led to improvements to parks and open spaces, including the groundbreaking of a new park in September and the opening of existing improvements at Northrup Park on March 3.
Through the two funding mechanisms, Boerne and Kendall County residents are getting access to new conservation areas and open spaces.
The largest portion of the $13 million Boerne parks bond proposition, Northside Community Park, is making progress toward providing new amenities in a central portion of the city.
On Feb. 24, Lissette Jimenez, director of parks and recreation, shared an update on Northside Community Park, including the first pouring of concrete for two basketball courts and the final designs for the splashpad and playscape.
“The two multiuse fields have been worked on, and that was a pretty big step forward in our first phase,” Jimenez said. “Now, we are going to start digging up the dirt again for our utility work, and then concrete pours are our next big eye catcher.”
Jimenez said the next step for the park project is to begin excavation on the restroom buildings and extend utility lines across the park.
The first phase of Northside Community Park is projected to be open by early 2027. The second phase of the park is expected to be funded and under construction at an undetermined date.
The design for the playground at Northside Community Park was revealed Feb. 24. (Rendering courtesy city of Boerne)
More details
Aside from funding a new park, Boerne bond funds supported field and lighting improvements at Northrup Park and Boerne City Park.
On March 3, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the completion of Field 11 improvements at Northrup Park.
Director of Communications Chris Shadrock said Northrup Park, City Park and Boerne City Lake Park brought in more than 800,000 visitors in 2025.
“Each year, a large number of people utilize city parks, and the improvements through the 2022 bond allow the city to provide the spaces that our residents want to see,” he said.
Jimenez said Boerne is the only city in Kendall County with multiple parks, leading county residents and organizations to use them.
Also of note
Upon approval in 2022, Proposition A authorized Kendall County to issue $20 million in interest-bearing bonds, with a requirement to spend 80% of the proceeds, or $16 million, by June 2026. Prop A Committee representatives said this goal is expected to be met following purchases of parkland and conservation easements in 2026.
The funds have supported land purchases in Comfort, James Kiehl River Bend Park and a third planned park development.
In December, commissioners authorized the $11.25 million purchase of a 310-acre property formerly known as Demolition Ranch at the Desperado Resort.
Alongside this project, commissioners in 2025 discussed development options for a Comfort property purchased in 2024. While no action was taken, county staff said the Comfort property is being looked at for the construction of fields, playscapes and other amenities.
Proposition A Committee Chair Rusty Busby told Community Impact that the purchase of the property is still underway and that the county is considering the use of other Proposition A-funded properties for public access.
Zooming out
While Boerne and Kendall County move forward on local open spaces, a new state natural area is eyeing a fall 2026 opening 8 miles from I-10 in Boerne.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area will contain accessible trails for walking and hiking, 25 campsites, cabins, a headquarters office and an environmental classroom.
Kendall County resident Linda Frank said open spaces are one of the primary reasons her family lives in the area.
“Part of why we moved here is to enjoy the beautiful Hill Country,” she said. “Having more opportunities to do that is always a positive.”
