New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Northwest Park Master Plan Project Update
The 145-acre park plan drew broad support for trails and green space, but Wasser Ranch residents strongly oppose the Pater/Alster secondary entrance, citing school traffic, speeding, and drainage. The Parks Board endorsed the plan 7-0; adoption comes back November 9.
Arts and Culture Master Plan
City commission members will receive training on how to score upcoming grant applications for local arts and heritage programs. This session ensures fair and consistent evaluation of community funding requests.
2026 Soul Searching Program
The committee is reviewing the outcomes and feedback from the 2026 Soul Searching event, which engages the community with local cemetery history.
2027 River Season Fees and Ordinance Changes
The committee will review proposed changes to Ordinance 86-16 to see if water vessels should be granted access to the last public exit.
Field and Facility Allocation Policy Update
City staff will present updates on how sports fields and park facilities are scheduled and shared among local groups.
Northwest Park Lease Agreement
The board approved a five-year lease to allow immediate primitive public access and trail development on a newly acquired 130-acre park property.
Golf Course Operations and Financial Performance
The board reviewed first-quarter financials and discussed updated rules and guidelines for tournament representatives. These measures aim to ensure fiscal health and smooth event execution at the municipal golf course.
Comal River Master Plan Funding
The city discussed creating a comprehensive master plan for the Comal River to manage recreation, protect natural assets, and boost economic value.
Summer Programming Wrap-Up
Staff presented a review of community participation and outcomes from city-run summer recreation programs.
Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan
Several big park projects are moving: Northwest Park's master plan is nearly final, the Dry Comal Trail got a signed Union Pacific agreement with construction bidding eyed for spring 2027, and Mission Hill Park is under construction.
Westside Community Center Operations
The city is transitioning the Westside Community Center into the Parks and Recreation Department to improve programming, offer climate resilience, and expand group exercise options.
Field of Graves and Historic Preservation Projects
The committee reviewed ongoing local history projects, including the Field of Graves, commemorative cookbooks, and the 2026 Soul Searching event. These initiatives help preserve and share the history of New Braunfels' historic cemeteries.
Revision of Library Borrower Eligibility Policy
The Library Advisory Board was scheduled to review and potentially update its borrower eligibility policies and internal bylaws. These guidelines govern who can access library services and how the advisory board operates.
Zipp Family Sports Park Grand Opening
The city is offering naming rights and sponsorship packages for the Zipp Family Sports Park, which held its ribbon cutting the day of the meeting.