Northeast San Antonio Metrocom | January 2026

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Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 JAN. 16FEB. 13, 2026

Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor: 2026 Health & Wellness Edition

Staying active Park projects continue throughout Northeast San Antonio

INSIDE

The Schertz Soccer Complex, which received lighting upgrades in 2025, hosts a myriad of club soccer games throughout the year. (Courtesy city of Schertz)

Schertz Soccer Complex

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SCHERTZ PKWY.

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 4 Check out a 76,000-square-foot sports center opening Page 6 Check out runo election results in Cibolo and Schertz Government

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Impacts

Coming soon

4 Kinder Haus Pediatrics The pediatrician’s oce will be opening a third location, oering immunizations for children and physicals for

3009

sports and camps. • Opening January • 580 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 221, Cibolo • www.kinderhauspediatrics.com

2252

CIBOLO VALLEY DR.

1604

5 Overtime Training The soccer training center—owned by Devin Vega—will oer personalized skill training for soccer players. • Opening January • 10405 I-35, San Antonio • Instagram: overtimetraining210 6 Restaurant Depot The retailer sells bulk supplies to restaurants. • Opening March

EVERYDAY WAY

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W. BORGFELD RD.

SCHERTZ RD.

DAVID EDWARDS DR.

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• 11711 N. I-35, Ste. 105, San Antonio • www.restaurantdepot.com/locations/ locations-coming-soon

WRIGHT BLVD.

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Expansions

1604

7 Victory One Sports Center Universal City’s South Texas Volleyball Academy broke ground on a new 76,000-square-foot training facility earlier this year. The center will have space for volleyball, basketball and pickleball. There will also be a strength and conditioning center. • Opening summer

MAP NOT TO SCALE

King sells smoothie bowls and loaded toast. • Opened Dec. 22 • 18476 I-35 N., Ste. 300, Schertz • www.smoothieking.com 3 Swig The Utah-based beverage chain sells dirty sodas and customizable mocktails. • Opened Dec. 29 • 7038 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • www.swig.com/indaswig/rolling-oaks

Now open

• 18531 FM 2252, San Antonio • www.stva.org/club/locations

1 Andy’s Frozen Custard The restaurant sells frozen custard blends, sundaes, splits and malts. • Opened Dec. 3 • 933 Cibolo Valley Dr., Cibolo • www.eatandys.com 2 Smoothie King The Schertz franchise is locally owned by mother-son duo Delia Gaona and Isaiah Miguel Gaona. Smoothie

In the news

8 HEB Fishing Pond New solar-powered benches were installed at this pond as part of a Cibolo Partnered Trailways Project. • 824 Everyday Way, Cibolo • www.heb.com

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BY ANDREW CREELMAN & THOMAS LEFFLER

9 Epiphany Dermatology Dermatology Associates of San Antonio changed its name to Epiphany Dermatology Dec. 3. The name changes comes after being acquired by Austin-based Epiphany Dermatology, which specializes in skin treatments, screenings and supplemental care.

• Opened Dec. 13 • 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio • www.sazoo.org/congo-falls

Coming soon

Closings

• 7832 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak • www.epiphanydermatology.com

12 Hollywood and Vine Dance Studio The dance studio—owned by Chrissy Linnea—oered children’s dance classes and lessons. • Closed Nov. 30

10 State Farm The insurance company’s Schertz location—led by Nate Obregon—celebrated its 5-year anniversary in November. • 6000 FM 3009, Ste. 204, Schertz • www.natefromsf.com 11 Semmes Branch Library This branch of San Antonio’s library system celebrated its 20th anniversary on Dec. 13. • 15060 Judson Road, San Antonio • www.mysapl.org/Visit/Locations/Semmes-Library

• 117 E. Wright Blvd., Universal City • www.hollywoodvinestudios.com

13 Youz Guyz Cheesesteaks The restaurant closed following the owners’ retirement, and sold pizza, steak sandwiches and hot dogs. • Closed Dec. 6 • 316 Pat Booker Road, Universal City • Facebook: YouzGuyzUC 14 Bi Buzby’s Burgers The burger joint served classic American diner food such as burgers, chicken fried steak and sandwiches. • Closed Dec. 31 • 2702 Toepperwein Road, Ste. 130, Live Oak • www.biffbuzbysburgers.com

15 Morgan’s Wonderland This accessibility-focused amusement park is adding a new ride called WingZ, the rst tower ride to be handicap accessible. Morgan’s Wonderland is a part of the larger Morgan’s Foundation, a San Antonio-based nonprot organization focused on helping individuals with disabilities and special needs. • Opening 2026 • 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio • www.morganswonderland.org

Worth the trip

San Antonio Zoo The Congo Falls gorilla exhibit features three habitats and a 70-foot observation tower.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

BY THOMAS LEFFLER & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Cibolo, Schertz hold runoff elections

Universal City accepts land donation for EDC Universal City accepted a 2.5-acre land donation for property at 3600 E. FM 1518 on Dec. 16. Some details The vacant tract of land—designated for commercial use—was platted as part of the Orchard Park Subdivision. The property was conditionally removed from the floodplain through a Conditional Letter of Map Revision issued by the Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency. Significant grading issues to construct a buildable site make the property “financially unviable,” agenda documents state, which is why the property owner requested donating it to Universal City’s Economic Development Corp., or UCEDC. The UCEDC will be responsible for attor- ney fees, property title insurance and the outstanding 2025 tax bill at closing, which is about $2,122. The UCEDC plans to petition the tax assessor-collector for reimbursement of the taxes paid, agenda documents state.

Breaking down the results

Winner

Headed to runoff

Cibolo City Council Place 3

53.43% Marissa-Ellen Patterson 46.57% Maria Fishback

The city of Cibolo has two new council members, while two candidates will be heading to a January runoff in Schertz. What you need to know On Dec. 13, Marissa-Ellen Patterson won the runoff election for the Place 3 Cibolo City Council position, while Summer-Marie Brown was the victor in the Cibolo Place 7 at-large runoff election. In the Dec. 20 Schertz City Council Special Elec- tion to determine a new Place 7 council member, John Carbon and Robert Sheridan received the most votes out of five candidates and will be heading to a runoff election Jan. 31. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, a runoff will be held between the top two candidates, according to the Schertz City Charter. The special election was held due to the death of Schertz Place 7 council member Tim Brown in October, leaving the seat vacant. Another special election will take place in the future for Schertz’s Place 6 council seat after Allison Heyward filed to run for Guadalupe County Precinct 3 commissioner in the March 3 primary. Although the position is open, Texas Constitution

67.85% Summer-Marie Brown 32.15% Shari McDaniel Cibolo City Council Place 7 at-large 27.74% John Carbon 26.61% Robert Sheridan 19.52% Tony Diaz Schertz City Council Place 7 17.26% Kristy Barger 8.87% Dan Swart

SOURCE: GUADALUPE COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Article 16, Section 17 gives Heyward the right to stay on council until a “duly qualified replacement” is elected, City Attorney Daniel Santee said during a Jan. 6 Schertz City Council meeting. The filing period for the Place 6 election will take place Jan. 21-Feb. 2, City Secretary Sheila Edmond- son said. City OKs $129.4K change order for sewer project Schertz City Council approved a $129,406 change order for the Woman Hollering Creek Wastewater Trunk Main and Lift Station Project on Dec. 2. The full story The project—which began in January 2022—is for a sanitary sewer system along Woman Hollering Creek, from the existing Sedona Lift Station to a new lift station on I-10. An additional line will be constructed to serve the Hallie’s Cove subdivision, according to the Schertz Capital Improvement Proj- ects webpage. The project provides initial flow of wastewater to the Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority southern water reclamation plant, according to agenda documents. The change order was to correct an oversight on the project. Previously, an error had been made related to the installation between CPS Energy and the system, with electrical equipment not put at the

Woman Hollering creek wastewater project

SCHERTZ PKWY.

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Schertz purchases Main Street property Schertz City Council approved the pur- chase of a house and land adjacent to Main Street Garage for $194,000 on Dec. 2. The overview The property was purchased to support efforts to redevelop Main Street. The acquisition will be funded by the city’s general fund from sales taxes received over estimates in fiscal year 2024-25, agenda documents state.

Hallie's Cove subdivision

WOMAN HOLLERING CREEK

correct elevation. To correct the situation, contrac- tor Thalle Construction will construct a foundation and steel platform so an electrical conduit can be at the right elevation, agenda documents state. Looking ahead The Woman Hollering Creek Wastewater Trunk Main and Lift Station Project is anticipated to be complete in December, according to a project sheet attached to the change order.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

School closures, staff cuts part of JISD cost saving discussions

If all staff recommendations move forward, the estimated shortfall for 2026-27 would be $13.9 million. For 2025-26, a staffing goal in the CAPA is to decrease the shortfall through a hiring pause on approximately 162 vacancies, as well as millions in position eliminations, reductions or policy-based changes, according to the CAPA document. Specific positions and programs will be recom- mended for elimination based on a staffing study by MoakCasey and other factors. According to board documents, one of three JISD commitments during the CAPA process is that no certified classroom teachers will be reduced in the 2025-26 school year. The CAPA also recommends consol- idating two elementary schools and one middle school to generate annual savings of $4.71 million to $6.13 million. District staff are anticipated to present a consol- idation plan in January, with plans to transition all staff and students to other campuses before the start of the 2026-27 year. Staff also recommended calling for another VATRE in November 2026. What trustees are saying Ryan said she did not feel comfortable discuss- ing the CAPAs at the moment, voting to postpone the approval. “I’m not willing to make a hasty decision without all the information,” Ryan said. Kenoyer said she was ready to discuss each line item if needed. “I’m not saying that we necessarily have to blindly accept everything that’s in here, but I think [the] administration needs feedback on our tolerance level based on what we’re hearing from our constituents,” Kenoyer said.

Judson ISD trustees have paused action on two Corrective and Preventive Action, or CAPA, plans, which work to outline a goal to cut down on the district’s $40 million projected shortfall. The two plans outline recommendations for staffing reductions, program eliminations, school consolidation and other measures to bring a near-balanced budget by the end of the 2027-28

JISD cost saving measures

$6.5M: Position reductions $5.5M: Campus consolidations $1.94M: Elimination of grandfathered stipends, other staffing policies $1.71M: Other reductions $500,000: Software program reductions $494,375: Elimination or restructure of enrichment programs $444,375: Restructuring of 2-way dual language to 1-way $171,087: Reduction of cabinet base pay by 2% of midpoint, elimination of two deputy superintendent positions and CFO position

school year. A closer look

The board voted 4-3 on Dec. 18 to postpone CAPA discussion until January. Board President Monica Ryan, board Vice President Amanda Poteet, and trustees Lesley Lee and Stephanie Jones voted for postponement, while trustees José Macias Jr., Suzanne Kenoyer and Laura Stanford dissented. The current recurring shortfall faced by the district is $18.3 million, according to board documents. For fiscal year 2025-26, $15.8 million in one-time costs for self-funded health insurance is projected to be part of the shortfall, leaving the projected 2025-26 shortfall at $40 million. The staff recommendations follow the district’s voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, which failed. If approved, the $1.0796 tax rate would have provided approximately $21 million in annual revenue. The approach The CAPA discussed in earlier December board meetings recommended $16.79 million in reductions, with the remainder of recurring debt to be discussed in spring 2026. A Dec. 17 revision recommends $17.76 million in the first year, or FY 2025-26 reductions, and $34.92 million in overall reductions, according to board documents.

By the numbers $18.3M is JISD’s recurring shortfall $40M is the district’s projected 2025-26 shortfall $1.0796 is the tax rate that would have given the district $21 million in annual revenue $16.79M is the amount of cost-savings the district could yield if it approves the proposed CAPA plans

SOURCE: JISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Rail project to improve student mobility Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD officials have given their support to a Cibolo project that would improve student transportation. The overview The SCUCISD board of trustees approved a resolution Nov. 20 supporting two city of Cibolo projects, the FM 78/Country Lane Grade Separated Overpass Project and the MPO Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Connectivity Project. The resolution supports the city’s efforts to acquire grant funds from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Rail Grade Separation State Fund Program. Why now? Chief Operations Officer JD Mosley said he often hears about larger vehicles becoming stuck at the FM 78 and Country Lane crossing.

SCUCISD forms finance committee Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD will be making changes to its fiscal year 2025-26 budget after the district’s tax rate proposi- tion failed in the Nov. 4 election. In a nutshell At its Nov. 20 meeting, the SCUCISD board unanimously approved the adoption of a FY 2025-26 property tax rate of $1.0769 per $100 valuation. This rate replaces the voter-ap- proval property tax rate of $1.1969 per $100 valuation that would have been in place had SCUCISD’s Proposition A passed. Superintendent Paige Meloni said the district will develop an operational sus- tainability committee to monitor district finances. The committee will be comprised of teachers, staff, parents and community members.

“The construction of a grade-separated crossing over the railroad tracks parallel to FM 78 would eliminate the dangerous Country Lane crossing and safeguard emergency response between the north and south areas of our district,” Mosley said in an email to Community Impact . The crossing has also been the site of multiple train-vehicle collisions and frequent blocked crossing delays, agenda documents state. “This improvement would also create a more reliable route for our transportation department and for families traveling to and from school, strengthening both safety and efficiency in daily student transportation,” Mosley said.

Air conditioning units installed at 15 JISD gyms A district-wide air conditioning project for Judson ISD is now substantially complete. What happened

Schools that received HVAC upgrades The two-phase, districtwide HVAC project was funded by the district’s 2022 bond.

installed heating, ventilation and air conditioning units for district gyms without air conditioning. The first phase installed units at six campuses, and the second phase installed units at nine more. The total cost of the project with CGC General Contractors was $6.72 million, according to previous board documents and an email from the district.

Elementary schools • Coronado Village

• Mary Lou Hartman • Miller’s Point • Paschall • Spring Meadows • Woodlake Middle schools • Judson • Woodlake Hills

• Hopkins • Olympia • Candlewood • Salinas • Crestview • Elolf • Franz

At JISD trustees’ Nov. 20 meeting, the board unanimously approved the final payment and acceptance of work for both phases of the District Gym HVAC project. According to board documents, the project

SOURCE: JISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Ongoing projects

Completed project

Ongoing projects

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CHURCH ST.

DOWMAN ST.

1518

1 Buffalo Valley South Project: Water and sewer lines will be replaced in the Buffalo Valley South neighborhood of Schertz. Streets in the neighborhood will be rehabilitated as well. Update: Street work began in November with a focus on rehabilitating Zuehl, as well as Mill, First, Second and part of Church streets, according to Schertz City Council agenda documents. • Timeline: March 2025-Winter 2026 • Cost: $5.7 million • Funding sources: Schertz SPAM, American Rescue Plan Act funds

2 National/East Langley Boulevard Project: Work consists of removing existing pavement, then rebuilding pavement along with new curb, gutter and driveway approaches on National Boulevard and East Langley Boulevard in Universal City. Update: The project was completed in December, City Manager Kim Turner told Community Impact . • Timeline: March-December 2025 • Cost: $5.31 million • Funding source: capital improvement funds

3 2024 SPAM Rehabilitation Project: Existing pavement will be removed, the existing base underneath will be cement-stabilized and a new layer of pavement will be placed on the surface. Update: Concrete pavement repairs began on St. Andrews Drive in November. After completing the street, contractor E-Z Bel Construction will move on to pavement replacement in the Silvertree area. • Timeline: November 2025-spring 2026 • Cost: $3.58 million • Funding source: Schertz SPAM

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Events

BY ANDREW CREELMAN & THOMAS LEFFLER

This year’s theme is “Rhinestone Cowboy.” • Feb. 7, 4-6 p.m. (Mother/Son Dance); 7-9 p.m. (Daddy/ Daughter Dance) • $12 (children), $18 (adults) • Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz • www.schertz.com/607/DaddyDaughter-and- MotherSon-Dance Texas Pickle Hall Glow Pickleball Open Play Pickleball players will play under special black lights with glowing balls and paddles. Players of all skill levels are welcome and are encouraged to wear bright neon gear. • Feb. 14, 8-11 p.m. • $10 (drop-in play), members free • Texas Pickle Hall, 201 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak • www.texaspicklehall.com/parties-events Star Party Experts from the San Antonio Astronomical Association will provide telescopes for participants to see the stars and other galaxies. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. • Feb. 21, 7-8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12780 W. Schaefer Road, Schertz • https://tx-schertz.civicplus.com/191/Parks-Recreation

January

Read Before Bookstore Book Sale Residents will be able to fill a bag of books for $5 during this special sale hosted by the Schertz Public Library. • Jan. 23-24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Schertz Public Library Program Room, 798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz • Facebook: Schertz Public Library Methodist Hospital Northeast & Chamber Living Well Health And Home Show This event will offer a wide range of health services and home improvement tips, from free screenings to contracting experts and more. • Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 5, Schertz • www.thechamber.info/health-home-show

Snowfest 2026 This annual carnival and winter celebration will feature live music, local food vendors, carnival games, shopping and a snow play area. Children 3 years old or younger get free admission.

• Feb. 21, 1-8 p.m. • $21 (admission)

• 305 N. Universal City Blvd., Universal City • www.universalcitytexas.gov/694/Snowfest

February

Daddy/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance Celebrate family bonds with this annual themed dance.

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Health & wellness

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! A healthy community is built over time through the places we gather and the connections we share. Here in Northeast San Antonio, health and wellness show up in the little things we do each day, from getting outside and enjoying our parks and trails to the local resources that support our physical, mental and social well-being. In this guide, we’re sharing updates on trail projects happening throughout the community, including the regional Great Springs Trail, along with features about local businesses that are committed to helping us feel our best. This edition is made possible by the support of local businesses and sponsors who deeply care about our community. We hope you’ll support them and help keep Northeast San Antonio healthy, connected and thriving!

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Trail project looks to improve pedestrian mobility in Selma

Population growth in Selma

Selma City Council approved awarding a con- tract for engineering services to KSA Engineers, a Pape-Dawson Company, Dec. 11 for its Cibolo Creek Trail Connectivity Project, which looks to improve pedestrian mobility and safety. The overview The project will connect the city’s Stage Stop Park & Visitors Center with an existing trail along Evans Road and Cibolo Creek, Selma City Administrator Johnny Casias said in an email to Community Impact. Trail improvements may include additional shared-use paths and sidewalks, according to the resolution that was passed by City Council in July 2013, demonstrating support for the project. Selma’s population increased by 158% between 2010 and 2023, according to ve-year American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau. City Council also recognized the need to continue improving the quality of life for current

11,302

Cibolo Creek Trail connectivity project Existing trail

12K 10K

8K 6K 4K 2K 0

+158.81% change between 2010 and 2023

4,367

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

and future Selma residents, the resolution states. What’s next Selma will be working to nalize the design of the trail project and work with the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation on items to facilitate the solicitation of bids to begin project construction, Casias said in the email. “We anticipate awarding a contract for this work in 2027,” Casias said.

STAGE STOP PARK

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Health & wellness

BY JARRETT WHITENER & THOMAS LEFFLER

Trail project to connect Austin, San Antonio

from the Alamo to the state Capitol. On April 8, Bexar County commissioners approved a resolution supporting the trail project, and during the 2025 Texas Legislature, House Bill 4230 was signed, establishing the trail. The bill was authored by state Rep. Will Metcalf and state Sen. Donna Campbell, and was sup- ported by a wide range of organizations focused on economic development in the state, according to a Sept. 18 news release. “Recreational trails are a win-win for Texas by bringing tourist dollars to a region and providing for a more healthy Texas and health care savings for Texans,” Campbell said in the release. Key players Municipalities and organizations across San Antonio are working to make the trail system a reality, approving key projects that will be con- nected with projects in neighboring communities. The city of San Antonio, Bexar County, Schertz, Selma, Comal County, New Braunfels and other San Antonio metropolitan areas have each approved trail projects that lay the foundation for

the Great Springs Project. “The Great Springs Project is still working hard on the Texas Bicentennial Trail, and Schertz’ Great Northern Trail and Dry Comal Creek Trail will be a part of that trail network,” Schertz Parks Director Lauren Shrum said. “The Dry Comal Creek Nature Park is still pending further design work, and we hope to get that started later this scal year.” Measuring the impact Upon completion, the trail is expected to generate around $56 million in annual economic benets. It will also help conserve a large portion of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, protecting a vital water source for Central Texas, according to the plan. Overall, the project aims to be constructed in time for the 200th anniversary of Texas, with a target opening date of Jan. 1, 2036. “I think a trail from [San Antonio] to Austin would be great for people who enjoy walking and biking,” San Antonio resident Rich Hernandez said. “A lot of people want to get outside and stay active.”

Travis County

Great Springs Project

Segments Travis County Hays County Comal-Hays County Comal County Bexar County

Hays County

130

Over the course of 2025, multiple initiatives and governmental approvals helped the progression of the Great Springs Project, which aims to connect 100 miles of trails lining four of Texas’ great springs between Austin and San Antonio. The goal is to complete the trail by 2036, promoting the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage and enhancing economic development and outdoor recreation, according to the Great Springs Project plan updated in September. What’s happening? Utilizing urban and rural paths through Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs and San Antonio Springs, a network will be created

Comal County

Project projections Once completed, the Great Springs Project anticipates: 50,000 acres conservation goal by 2036 5,500 estimated walkers and runners daily 4,800 estimated cyclists daily 1.9 million estimated annual pedestrian trips 1.62 million estimated annual cyclist trips

The Great Springs Project aims to connect springs across Central Texas, including connections to Breckenridge Park in San Antonio.

Great Springs Project estimated annual benets Economic: $23.37M

Bexar County

Land and water: $19.24M Transportation: $11.44M Health: $1.87M

Total: $55.92M

410

SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322

Health & wellness

Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity across the United States, and that growth can be felt right here in the San Antonio area. According to previous reporting from Community Impact , a new indoor venue called Texas Pickle Hall opened near San Antonio this year. Additionally, The Picklr is planning to open three new locations in the next three months across the metro. Another pickleball venue called Outlaw Pickle is also planning to open a new venue soon as well. According to USA Pickleball's 2024 Annual Growth Report, there is an estimated total of 15,910 public courts throughout the United States. Just last year, nearly 4,000 new courts opened, according to the report. USA Pickleball is the governing body for the sport in the United States. Read about nine of those venues that are now open in and around San Antonio, as well as some tips from the official rulebook on the basic rules of the game and terms to know for beginners. San Antonio’s guide to pickleball

New Braunfels

NB Pickleball Club The club’s facility features three climate- controlled and Seal Master indoor courts. NB Pickleball Club offers lessons with certified professional instructors, open tournaments and open play. The venue also has cameras to see replays from games, special senior events and a junior league. • 1269 Summerwood Drive, Ste. 201, New Braunfels • www.nbpickleballclub.com The Courthouse This restaurant and sports venue features six indoor pickleball courts and four outdoor padel courts, plus a team of certified coaches for tips and lessons. The courts are attached to a full- service bar and restaurant. • 350 Dragoon Xing, New Braunfels • www.thecourthouse.net John Newcombe Country Club Featuring eight outdoor pickleball courts, this local country club hosts public pickleball clinics and tournaments for all skill levels, has a pro shop for equipment, and also runs special event programming for club members. • 625 Mission Valley Road, New Braunfels • www.newkscc.com/adult-pickleball-programs

Cranky Pickle This venue has six outdoor pickleball courts plus two covered courts, a pro shop and gathering spaces for private events. Players can choose to play in leagues for all skill levels, participate in special pickleball events, or take lessons from

professional, certified instructors. • 624 Krueger Canyon, New Braunfels • www.thecrankypickle.com

North San Antonio

Epoch Pickleball Home to four indoor, climate-controlled pickleball courts, Epoch Pickleball offers open clinics, tournaments and private events. The pickleball venue also has an on-site business center and pro shop for players. • 21750 Hardy Oak Blvd., Bldg. 2, San Antonio • www.epochcenter.io Dill Dinkers This venue—owned by Brian and Karen Birdy— features five indoor pickleball courts available for open play, lessons, leagues and private events for all skill levels. Dill Dinkers also has a pro shop that sells equipment. • 18450 Blanco Road, Ste. 101, San Antonio • www.dilldinkers.com The King of Padel Located in the heart of San Antonio, this business offers both indoor padel and pickleball courts, lessons, a pro shop, clinics, tournaments and more. • 314 Nolan St., San Antonio • www.thekingofpadel.com/padel-san-antonio

Rules of the game

According to the 2025 Official USA Pickleball Rulebook, the sport is played either as singles or in teams of two.

Chicken N Pickle Both a restaurant and a pickleball venue, Chicken N Pickle offers six indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts available for private events, parties and gatherings. The establishment also has equipment rentals, weekly clinics and programming • 5215 UTSA Blvd., San Antonio • www.chickennpickle.com/location/san-antonio

When serving the ball, a player must hit it diagonally across the court to the other team.

Players can only serve the ball once, and the first serve from each team must be completed on the right- hand side of the court. The game is based on the two- bounce rule, which means both teams must allow the ball to hit the ground once before returning it over the net and back to the other team For scoring, points can only be scored by the serving team or player. Games traditionally run until one team scores at least 11 points and wins by more than two points

Boerne

Boerne Tennis Center Under the city of Boerne Parks and Recreation department, this facility offers private lessons, clinics and private court reservations for both pickleball and tennis. Boerne Tennis Center also operates a pro shop with gear, merchandise and more. • 106 City Park Road, Boerne • www.boernetennis.com

SOURCE: USA PICKLEBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Terms to know

Northeast San Antonio Metrocom

Fault: any actions that stop play or award a point to the team serving the ball Line calls: any ball that hits the ground on the lines of the court is considered in- bounds Non-volley zone: a 7-foot zone surrounding the net, within which the ball cannot land and the player cannot stand Rally scoring: an alternative scoring method where both teams can score at any time, regardless of who is serving Service sequence: the method in which the ball is served, typically by the player on the right-hand side of the court Side-out: only the serving team can score points in this scoring system Two-bounce rule: after serving, the returning team can only let the ball hit the ground once before hitting it back

Texas Pickle Hall The 28,700-square-foot venue features 12 indoor pickleball courts. Texas Pickle Hall offers league play, tournaments, private lessons and clinics. The venue also has locker rooms and a pro shop.

Alexander Komet, Texas Pickle Hall’s chief operating officer, said their goal is to make the sport more accessible.

• 201 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak • www.texaspicklehall.com

SOURCE: USA PICKLEBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Photo Credit: Savage Soul Media

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Health & wellness

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Shellby Black opened Mellow Day Spa in 2022.

ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Mellow Day Spa oers custom, whole body massages that focus on reducing pain and stress.

ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Locally-owned Mellow Day Spa supports wellness through massages, facials, sensory lounges and more

Aside from therapy options, there’s also a variety of wellness products available at Mellow Day Spa.

COURTESY MELLOW DAY SPA

“You get the benets of the colors. So for exam- ple, red light therapy is going to help with your circulation and your skin health, green usually does [things like] detoxing,” Black said. Another service of Mellow Day Spa, waxing, comes from a mix of sugar, lemon and water. Black said other locations oer a resin-like material for waxing but that natural ingredients are a more eective paste. “Nobody’s allergic to sugar, lemon and water; and I personally feel that it removes the hair better. I used to do traditional waxing, and I had a lot of breakage with the hair. With the sugaring, I feel it pulls the hair completely out,” Black said. Aside from services, Mellow Day Spa sells prod- ucts from brands like MYCO Clinic Mushrooms and McKinney-based skincare brand FarmHouse Fresh. Notable quote Black said she has stayed in Northeast San Antonio to help others and feel the “small town vibes in a big city.” “We treat everybody who comes in here like they’re our family or our neighbor ... I like that kind of hospitality of San Antonio, everybody’s friends and family,” Black said.

Helping Northeast San Antonio residents with their personal wellness journeys has been Shellby Black’s mission since opening Mellow Day Spa in The Forum at Olympia Parkway shopping area. Black grew up in Seguin and initially conducted the spa out of Cibolo before moving to The Forum in 2022. What they oer Mellow Day Spa oers custom, full body massages along with Specialty Rituals, which are massages that target specic parts of the body. Black said massages can help with general pain and stress. The spa also oers facials. “I see [clients for] facials for two reasons. They either have a skincare concern, so wrinkles, acne, stu like that, or they don’t get that relaxation from body massage. They prefer facials,” Black said. Mellow Day Spa’s sensory lounge—a newer oer- ing—uses a technique that comes from healing frequencies, Black said. Patients in the lounge lie back on a bed connected to speakers, with special frequencies playing to vibrate the music through the body. Along with the frequency, which Black described as like being in a 4D movie theater, the lounge sessions display soft, colored lighting for patrons.

The spa’s main focus is reducing stress, aches and pains for all clients.

COURTESY MELLOW DAY SPA

1604

8143 Agora Parkway, Ste. 115, Schertz www.mellowdayspa.com

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Staying active From the cover

At a glance

Northeast San Antonio parks

Universal City Park

Pickrell Park

Projects both completed and ongoing at Northeast San Antonio parks are keeping the area a place for productivity, community and wellness. The ve cities of Northeast San Antonio boast a total of 74 parks totaling 1,402 acres, according to ParkServe data. Of the ve cities in the Metrocom, Schertz has the highest number of parks and acreage, serving over 32,000 residents within a 10-minute walk, according to ParkServe. Along with traditional parks, such as the 17-acre Pickrell Park, Schertz has three dedicated athletic complex facilities: Schertz Soccer Complex, Johnie McDow Sports Complex and Thulemeyer Park. Cibolo oers four traditional parks, as well as the Multi-Event Center for youth athletes. The Multi-Event Center received irrigation upgrades in 2025 after an eight-month hiatus. Cibolo sta will concentrate on improvements to Veterans and Niemietz parks in 2026. Universal City’s recreation opportunities include a disc golf course and a splash pad. Disc golf is also an amenity at Main City Park in Live Oak. Selma is known for its Stage Stop Park with a playground, basketball court, soccer eld and splash pad.

CIBOLO VALLEY DR.

WIEDERSTEIN RD.

1604

Selma

1518

Selma

SCHERTZ PKWY.

Schertz

1518

BORGFELD RD.

Cibolo

AERO AVE.

Live Oak

Universal City

TOEPPERWEIN RD.

1604

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

The local impact

What’s being done

out and recreate.” “Families want trails, and they provide oppor- tunities for all generations and all species, a place for seniors to take a stroll, a place for folks to walk their dogs, a place for adults to exercise, a place for the wildlife to call home,” Shrum said.

The public health organization Trust for Public Land states that safe and quality green space promotes physical activity, reduces stress and provides a communal space. With its 44 parks, Schertz promotes these attributes, Schertz Parks Director Lauren Shrum said, such as having easy access for families to “get

Fitness areas are a top desire for residents in Live Oak, according to the city’s master plan. Projects identified in Live Oak’s 2024 parks master plan include a new shaded basketball structure at the Main City Park and a new workout station at Montanio Park. The plans for the Main City Park basketball court were aided by Live Oak Economic Development Corp. funds approved in October.

Northeast San Antonio park statistics

Percent of residents within 10-minute walk of a park

Number of parks

Total park acres

800

100

Fiscal year 2025-26 parks budgets

20 30 40

600

$3.04M

Schertz

400

$1.19M

Cibolo

$1.83M

Universal City

200

0 10

$980K

Live Oak

$780K

Selma

$0 $1M $2M $3M $4M

SOURCE: CITIES OF SCHERTZ, CIBOLO, UNIVERSAL CITY, LIVE OAK, SELMA/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: PARKSERVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Veterans and Niemietz park renovations Cibolo is anticipated to invest $1.3 million in park renovations in 2026.

Mapping it out

What else?

Cibolo is another city looking at the future of its parks. In March, Cibolo City Council and the city’s park staff outlined a parks improvement plan, including plans for Veterans and Niemietz parks, at the request of the council. “For both parks in general, we’re trying to do a renovation on both of them. … What we’re trying to do [now] is get community input, letting them tell us what they want to see at their neighborhood parks. This will tie in eventually to our overall master plan for our park system,” City Engineer Julio Gomez said. Council discussions centered around items at the two parks, such as a resurfaced basketball court with a shaded structure, as well as a new playground surface and multipurpose field renovation. Gomez said public input has been related to accessibility and parking, along with the afore- mentioned amenity renovations. In June, the council approved a work order with Kimley-Horn Associates for master planning services for the parks, totaling $83,500, which will be funded through 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program funds. Gomez said parks staff and Kimley-Horn will return to the council in late January or February to provide updates on master planning. If City Council approves the plans, the projects will move into the design phase. Construction would begin in late summer, Gomez said. The project budget for both parks is approxi- mately $1.3 million and will be funded through the city’s Capital Improvement Program. Assistant Public Works Director Margarita

A bevy of other park projects were completed in 2025 and are on tap for 2026. In Schertz, several renovations were completed at the Schertz Soccer Complex, including lighting upgrades that installed high-efficiency LED fixtures, according to previous Community Impact reporting. “The new lighting improvements have added extra capacity to maximize the amount of games that can be played here,” Shrum said. In 2026, Shrum said a city priority is continued work on the West Dietz Creek Trail Project, a $1.25 million endeavor to create a 10-foot-wide concrete trail along West Dietz Creek from Schertz Parkway headed northwest and crossing Maske Road, Savannah Drive and ending at Wiederstein Road. According to agenda documents, $1 million of the project is funded through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for Transportation Alternatives Funding, with a $250,000 match from the city. The project is scheduled to continue into fiscal year 2027-28. Live Oak staff completed an interior refurbishment of its community clubhouse in 2025, updating the facility with new flooring, lighting, countertops and appliances. Other cities are looking even further ahead, such as Selma, which will present a parks master plan for approval in February, City Administrator Johnny Casias told Community Impact .

Veterans Park

New playground surface

Playground shade structure

Resurfacing of basketball court

Basketball court shaded structure

Site furnishings

Multipurpose field renovation

Tree additions and irrigation of park

Stormwater pollution prevention plan

Niemietz Park

New playground surface

Football field renovation

Softball field renovation and fencing

Restroom renovations

Site furnishings

Walking trail addition

Kitchen and meeting room renovations

Stormwater pollution prevention plan

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Hernandez said Cibolo’s parks have “lots of health benefits” for the community. “[Parks are] a safe space for [residents] to walk, so they’re not embedded into the vehicular traffic, the issues with streets,” Hernandez said. “There’s a designated space for pedestrians and bicycle users.”

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

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