$56.2 Million Price Tag for New Braunfels' 145-Acre Park Plan
Council members weigh a multi-phase design against resident fears that new traffic patterns will burden nearby subdivisions.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
The central tension in New Braunfels is no longer whether to build a park, but how a 145-acre green space will alter traffic flow for neighbors who fear increased congestion. City staff presented a master plan for Northwest Park on Oct. 26, outlining a development that requires an estimated $56.2 million in capital investment. While the project has not been funded, the design phase is complete, and the council is set to consider adoption on Nov. 9.
The plan prioritizes low-impact development, aligning with data from approximately 340 survey respondents. Of those surveyed, 83% reside in the Wasser Ranch, Northwest Crossing, Cloud Country, or Arroyo Verde subdivisions. A majority of these residents, 87%, indicated a preference for nature-based features, while 61% requested improved trail connectivity. The proposed design includes 4.65 miles of trails, rain gardens for runoff filtration, and a multiuse pavilion with splash features.
Despite the design focus on natural elements, residents at two October open houses raised specific concerns about vehicle movement. They cited excessive speeding, the railroad crossing at Orion Drive, and congestion from the Goodwin/Conrads Lane bond project construction. Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney stated that speeding is addressed by existing traffic calming policies and that the Orion Drive crossing is under review by Comal County and the Texas Department of Transportation.
The most contentious issue involves access points on Alster and Pader streets. Matney explained that the city is discussing with the local homeowners association the acquisition of property to create a secondary access route behind existing homes. This would prevent the secondary entrance from facing directly onto the residences on Alster. Currently, the plan relies on this configuration to manage flow without creating a new primary intersection in front of houses.
Council members expressed support for the park's environmental goals but scrutinized the financial implications. District 1 Council member Toni Carter noted that $56.2 million is a substantial sum, though she supported the project. District 6 Council member Nikki Shaw emphasized the value of preserving green space, and District 4 Council member Lawrence Spradley expressed enthusiasm for the plan. Their comments reflect a consensus that the park is desirable, provided the infrastructure costs are managed.
The unfunded status of the project means there is no immediate construction timeline. If funding becomes available through bond propositions, grants, or park development fees, the city will phase the construction. This approach allows the city to prioritize access and infrastructure first, followed by gathering spaces and environmental stewardship. Residents who oppose the Pader/Alster connection, such as Chuck Keenley, continue to monitor the process, while others like Brenda Benard have requested a formal traffic impact study.
The next step is a council vote scheduled for Nov. 9. Adoption of the master plan does not commit the city to spending the full $56.2 million immediately but authorizes the engineering and design work necessary to move forward. The plan remains contingent on securing future funding sources, a condition that may influence how quickly the 145 acres are developed.
