New Braunfels: Council set to vote on 145-acre park plan
Residents of four nearby subdivisions raised traffic and access concerns before the city's final vote on the Northwest Park master plan.
By Alexei Brooks ·
The New Braunfels City Council is scheduled to vote on the adoption of the master plan for the 145-acre Northwest Park on November 9. The proposal outlines a multi-phase development that includes a multiuse pavilion, splash features, and a farmer's market plaza. While the plan is unfunded, the city estimates the total cost of building the park in a single phase at approximately $56.2 million.
Public input gathered during six focus groups and a survey revealed strong preferences for nature-based amenities. According to data presented to the council on October 26, 87% of respondents requested a park based on nature and shade, while 61% supported trails and connectivity. Approximately 340 respondents, representing 83% of the survey group, reside in the Wasser Ranch, Northwest Crossing, Cloud Country, or Arroyo Verde subdivisions.
Concerns regarding traffic flow emerged during two open house events held in October at the Wasser Ranch Homeowners Association Park and City Hall. Residents cited issues with speeding, the Orion Drive railroad crossing, and congestion from the Goodwin/Conrads Lane construction. Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney stated that these issues are distinct from the park adoption itself. He noted that the city can address speeding through existing traffic calming policies, while Comal County and the Texas Department of Transportation are coordinating safety improvements for the Orion Drive crossing.
A primary point of contention involves park access from Alster and Pader. Matney explained that staff are discussing acquiring property to create a secondary access route that runs behind homes rather than in front of them. Wasser Ranch resident Chuck Keenley voiced support for the park but opposition to the proposed Pader/Alster connection. Brenda Benard, a fellow resident, requested a traffic impact study for the area, while Jonathan Alorda, a District 4 resident, characterized the traffic concerns as separate from the park project.
The plan specifies approximately 4.65 miles of trails with future connections to the Texas Bicentennial Trail and the Alligator Creek Trail. It also includes rain gardens to filter runoff and space for a commercial business at the trailhead. Destin Singleton, a parks and recreation advisory board member, told the council that approval would allow the city to proceed with engineering and design plans.
Council members expressed mixed views on the financial commitment. District 1 Council member Toni Carter acknowledged the high cost, stating that not every piece of land requires development. District 6 Council member Nikki Shaw and District 4 Council member Lawrence Spradley both voiced support for preserving green space, with Spradley saying he looks forward to seeing the project realized.
