Boerne details Northside Community Park redesign and phases after bond costs rise

City staff on May 20 gave an update on bond-funded parks and capital projects, reporting progress at Northrop Park and City Park and outlining a phased approach for Northside Community Park after updated cost estimates rose from early projections.

Krista Stark and Lisette Jimenez presented the update. Stark said the 2022 quality-of-life bond allocated $36 million across roadways and parks; for parks the city planned extensive upgrades with Northside Community Park as the major project. Stark said work is already under way on Northrop Park Field 11, an adult softball field that will receive new sod and irrigation; the work is expected to be completed in July, but the field will remain closed until grass establishes and will reopen after the new year. She said the field work contract was just over $250,000.

City Park work: Stark said City Park project work including Musco lighting for soccer fields is scheduled to begin mid-June, with an estimated cost of about $800,000; the lights are dark-sky compliant and the project is expected to finish in August.

Northside Community Park: Stark said Northside is roughly 36 acres. Early concept-level estimates in 2022 were about $12 million; updated, more detailed design and stricter local drainage and low-impact development (LID) standards have increased projected costs to roughly $17 million, she said. Contributors to the higher cost include adherence to the city's DPZ (drainage protection zone) and LID rules, conversion of the large loop trail from decomposed granite to concrete for durability, larger restroom and community building program needs (community building planning grew from roughly 2,000 to more than 5,000 square feet), and expansion of pickleball from eight to 12 courts.

Stark said the city has been awarded a $750,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife grant and has applied for a $1 million grant from the Kankoski Foundation with results expected in June. Staff said they are pursuing additional philanthropic and corporate donations.

Phasing and next steps: To manage cost increases, staff proposes a two-phase approach. Phase 1 focuses on core amenities that can be completed with available bond funds, grants and donations; phase 2 would include the community building, skate park expansion and off-site public improvements such as a required turn lane. Stark said building and site permits are currently under review and the construction manager-at-risk, Waterman Construction, is lined up for the work.

Design highlights (Lisette Jimenez): Jimenez presented renderings and said Phase 1 will include a half-mile concrete loop trail, an all-abilities playground with four age zones, a splash pad, two covered basketball courts, 12 pickleball courts with central covered picnic area, a multi-acre dog park with separated small/large areas, lit and irrigated multiuse fields, family restrooms, fencing, signage, Wi-Fi/camera infrastructure, and parking expansions in later phases.

Stark and Jimenez emphasized accessibility and maintenance improvements compared with the original concept. Council members praised the design and staff's work; staff said they will continue seeking grants and philanthropic support to reduce the city's direct cost.

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