The plan will guide the development of new parks, improve existing facilities and expand the trail network, said Jeff Bransford, park development manager for the city.
“We have heard loud and clear from our residents, and we have observed firsthand that we need to provide additional spaces for people,” Bransford said.
Two-minute impact
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is developing a systemwide master plan to guide its efforts for the next five to 10 years, said Jeff Bransford, park development manager for New Braunfels.
The department oversees more than 40 parks and facilities throughout the community, Bransford said.
The master plan aims to ensure the city provides the right mix of parks, facilities and programs to meet residents’ needs while balancing available resources.
The current master plan process began in summer 2024 and is expected to wrap up by summer 2025, Bransford said.
The city and surrounding areas have seen significant growth in population over the past decade, Bransford said, but the parks system has not kept pace.
“Doing a systemwide master plan now is especially important so that we can have a framework to continue to grow the system to meet these increasing needs from the public,” Bransford said. Key priorities include developing more paved and unpaved trails, enhancing fitness facilities, and hosting more community events, he said.
The Backstory
Rapid population growth in New Braunfels has increased demand for outdoor recreational spaces. Popular destinations such as Landa Park often experience overcrowding.
“The growth of our park and recreation system has not kept up pace with the growth of the community overall,” Bransford said.
According to national nonprofit ParkServe, 42% of New Braunfels residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Recognizing this, the city is undertaking a comprehensive review of its park system to address these challenges. This master planning process will guide the city’s investments in parks, trails and recreational programs for the next decade.
Zooming in
The Comal Trails Alliance plays a role in advocating for trail development within the city’s master plan.
Organization President Jonathan Alorda emphasized the importance of trails for physical and mental health, social interaction, and environmental connection.
The Comal Trails Alliance provides volunteer labor for trail construction and maintenance, collaborates with the city and other organizations, and advocates for trail development within the city’s master plan.
Alorda highlighted the need for continued public engagement and advocacy to ensure the success of trail initiatives.
The city’s parks and recreation department has seen a significant increase in park usage in recent years, reflecting the growing demand for outdoor spaces.
The department monitors park usage through various metrics, such as park reservations, recreation program registrations, and membership numbers at facilities like Das Rec.
“We’ve certainly seen an increase over the last 10 years in all of those numbers across the board,” Bransford said.
The city is also working to improve accessibility to its parks and trails for all residents, Bransford said.
Measuring the impact
Parks and trails provide significant benefits, aligning with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for healthy communities. They offer opportunities for physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing obesity risk.
“It’s exercise; it’s fresh air; it’s de-stressing from work,” Alorda said. “Humans should feel very much at home outside.”
Those benefits of the outdoors are also tied to economic growth.
As an example, the nonprofit organization Great Springs Project is expected to generate $55.92 million in annual benefits across the four counties it runs through: Bexar, Comal, Hays and Travis.
According to the Great Springs Project, with the connection of the regional trail system from San Antonio to Austin, people are more likely to spend on food, retail, entertainment and lodging.
Looking ahead
The city’s master plan will guide the development of new parks, improve existing facilities, and expand the trail network.
Key initiatives include the development of Northwest Park, the expansion of the Dry Comal Creek Greenway and the integration of the city’s trail system with the regional Great Springs Project.
“Hopefully, in the next five to 10 years, we really do see a way to get from the north and south extremes of the city into downtown on a bike,” Alorda said.
