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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 JAN. 10 FEB. 9, 2026
2026 Health & Wellness Edition
Brought to you by our gold sponsors:
Only if: The 2025 thoroughfare plan
Plan update aims to guide future growth BY ETHAN THOMAS As New Braunfels continues to grow, one of the main tools used by the city to guide roadway planning is its thoroughfare plan, which saw its rst major update Dec. 8. The plan acts as a way for the city to build roads more e ciently as growth occurs, said Garry Ford, New Braunfels director of transportation and capital improvements. “[The thoroughfare plan] sets the frame- work of our city that provides connectivity for vehicles, but also connectivity for emergency access,” Ford said. “Then, as development comes in, they start providing right-of-way dedication for that network.”
Proposed Seminole Drive connector This portion of the thoroughfare plan was proposed for removal, but after city sta recommended keeping it, the connector remains part of the 2025 update to the plan.
Proposed road
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New Braunfels City Council adopted its rst major update since 2012, keeping Seminole Drive connector plans in place. (Photo by Ethan Thomas, photo illustration by Alissa Foss/Community Impact)
Also in this issue
Impacts Page 6 Learn about two new retailers now open in Gruene
Government Page 9 Read about Comal County’s potential jail expansion
Events
Page 34
See what’s going on at the San Antonio Rodeo
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About Community Impact
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.
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Andrew Creelman Parks Kugle
Thomas Leffler Ethan Thomas Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Nic Delgadillo Alissa Foss Laura Patino Chelsea Peters Managing Editor Sierra Martin Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez San Antonio Market President Heather Demere
Kayla Brooks General Manager
Amira Van Leeuwen Editor
Eloise Zatopek Account Executive
Correction: Volume 9, Issue 1 The Conrads Lane transportation project—which is different than the Goodwin/Conrads Lane project—is anticipated to be under construction beginning in 2028.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Impacts
hats and other western lifestyle apparel. • Opened Dec. 6 • 1258 Gruene Road, New Braunfels • www.ironoaktx.com
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5 Texas Roadhouse The chain is known for its classic American steakhouse fare, complete fall-off-the-bone ribs and rattlesnake bites. Items like dinner rolls with cinnamon butter are also free for dine-in customers. • Opened Dec. 8 • 3206 I-35 N. frontage road, New Braunfels • www.texasroadhouse.com 6 Yasaka Sushi & Ramen The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant serves specialty sushi rolls and bowls of flavored ramen. Yasaka Sushi & Ramen also offers a wide selection of hibachi and tempura options. • Opened Dec. 11 • 1348 I-35 N. frontage road, New Braunfels • Facebook: Yasaka AYCE 7 Cavender’s Boot City The retailer sells an array of western clothing and workwear, from boots and pants to shirts and cowboy hats. • Opened Dec. 12 • 1671 I-35 N. frontage road, Ste. 208, New Braunfels • www.cavenders.com 8 Steaks to Go The business previously operated as a brick-and-mortar before closing in 2014. Steaks to Go has now opened as a food truck, serving the Original-Style Steak Sandwich, which contains one-third of a pound of sliced steak, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and hand-cut fries. • Opened Dec. 14 • 221 Elliot Knox Blvd., New Braunfels • www.steakstogotx.com 9 Whataburger The restaurant opened its fourth New Braunfels location. The new location features a drive-thru, dining room and online ordering options. Whataburger sells burgers, chicken sandwiches, taquitos, salads and more.
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and children’s clothing and accessories. • Opened Nov. 28 • 1623 New Braunfels St., New Braunfels • www.sunshinetienda.com
Now open
1 Bobby’s Ice After closing earlier this fall, the local live music venue Billy’s Ice has reopened at a new location and under a new name. Bobby’s Ice offers live music and food. • Opened Nov. 20 • 6390 FM 1102, New Braunfels • Facebook: Bobby’s Ice 2 Sunshine Tienda The New Braunfels-based clothing designer—co-founded by Laura and Amanda Ernst—opened its first brick-and- mortar. Sunshine Tienda sells summer-inspired women’s
3 Smoothie King The New Braunfels franchise is locally owned by Paul Flores and serves a variety of smoothie blends and bowls. • Opened Dec. 4 • 654 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.smoothieking.com 4 Iron Oak Apparel Co. The Schulenburg-based business sells pearl snap polos,
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• Opened Dec. 15 • 1825 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.whataburger.com
location. Granzin’s Meat Market sells sliced meats, produce and other farmers market goods. • Opening 2026 • 3516 FM 306, New Braunfels • www.granzins.com 14 Oakwood Baptist Church The church broke ground on a $28 million, 52,000-square-foot worship center in November, according to a Facebook post. The new center will provide the additional space needed by the church. • Opening Easter 2027 • 2154 Loop 337, New Braunfels • www.oakwoodnb.com
In the news
Direct Care Audiology The company, owned by Dane Leavitt, specializes in custom solutions for hearing loss, tinnitus and other auditory needs, including wax removals, comprehensive hearing tests and more. • Opened November • Serving New Braunfels • www.directcareaudiology.com
Coming soon
Relocations
10 Back Nine Golf Owned by Aaron Kehe, Back Nine Golf will have a variety of virtual courses from around the world in addition to driving range training and club swing profiles. • Opening April • 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 520, New Braunfels • www.thebackninegolf.com/ new-braunfels-tx-marketplace 11 Wilhelm & Werner The Texas Brasserie with European influences will operate as a dining space and bar with the ability to seat 130 patrons inside the renovated Faust Hotel. The restaurant will serve “heritage-inspired” food and beverages, according to a news release. • Opening spring • 240 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.thefausthotel.com 12 Terry Black’s New Braunfels The Austin-based barbecue restaurant will feature a 7,860-square-foot space, including a pit house and two- story outdoor dining. Terry Black’s sells brisket, ribs, smoked turkey and more. • Opening August • 1310 E. Common St., New Braunfels • www.terryblacksbbq.com
17 Einhorn Training Co. The membership-based gym, owned by Taylor and Grant Reber, celebrated its five-year anniversary in October. Einhorn Training Co. offers one-hour functional fitness classes throughout the day, including cardio-based and weight training courses. • 149 Ferryboat Lane, Ste. 191, New Braunfels • www.einhorntrainingco.com
15 Bandidas Ice Cream The ice cream-based food truck relocated from 383 Paradise Alley. Bandidas Ice Cream is locally owned by Jewel Hill. • Relocated Dec. 11
• 231 Landa St., New Braunfels • Instagram: bandidas.icecream
16 Britt Brothers Mobility Restoring Mobility, previously located at 1324 E. Common St., Ste. 304, relocated to 1265 Industrial St., Ste. B, after new owners Cory Britt and his brother, Richard, took ownership of the business. Britt Brothers Mobility sells a wide range of medical-grade mobility equipments and offers mobility repairs. • Relocated Nov. 24 • 1265 Industrial St., Ste. B, New Braunfels • www.brittbrothersmobility.com
Closings
18 The Weighted Plate The venue—owned by Cody Teer—closed in November. Teer said he has plans to relocate closer to downtown in 2026 • Closed Nov. 22
In the news
• 5441 FM 1102, New Braunfels • Facebook: The Weighted Plate
Waymo The self-driving rideshare and taxi service is expanding to San Antonio next year.
19 Tobacco Haus Cigar Lounge The lounge sold cigars and had a full cocktail bar. • Closed Dec. 19 • 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 525, New Braunfels • www.tobaccohausnb.com
• Launching 2026 • www.waymo.com
13 Granzin’s Meat Market The local meat market is opening its fourth area
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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Government
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Comal County considers jail expansion for anticipated growth
Another jail expansion may be on the horizon in Comal County as commissioners look at possible tower build-outs to address anticipated need. Comal County Commissioners received an update from HDR, Inc., the rm tasked with gathering data on the potential expansion, on an ongoing feasibility study for the jail Nov. 20. The jail, which completed its last expansion in 2020, has 582 beds and is operating at 88% capacity. The feasibility study shows the county growing annually by 23%, with an incarceration rate of 2.3% per 1,000 residents—slightly higher than the state average. Digging deeper The build-out scenarios included repeating the existing single-story housing pods or constructing multi-story towers to maximize space. Only the tower options o er long-term capacity without exhausting the remaining land at the jail site. Commissioners directed the rm to produce cost estimates for options 3A, 3B and 3C, all of which involve multi-story housing construction at the existing jail site o I-35. Option 3A • Two oors built out, third and fourth oors shelled • Adds 274 beds • Total capacity: 857 beds • Meets projections until 2036 • Does not require immediate kitchen/laundry expansion Option 3B • Three oors built out, fourth oor shelled
Anticipated growth for Comal County Jail
Population trends show the county could require 810 beds by 2035 and 1,101 beds by 2045, according to HDR, Inc.’s feasibility study.
HDR, Inc. Inmate population forecast
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
COMAL COUNTY JAIL
659 664
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• Adds 411 beds • Total capacity: 994 beds
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• Meets projections until 2041 • Does not require immediate kitchen/laundry expansion Option 3C • Full four-story tower build-out • Adds 548 beds • Total capacity: 1,131 beds • Meets projections until 2046 • Requires kitchen and laundry expansion, includ- ing relocating warehouse storage The three options would also create a footprint for a second tower, extending potential capacity to the year 2055, the presentation states. Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Webb said the county wants to focus on future growth, rather than ful lling short-term needs.
1,247
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NOTE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS DATA WAS NOT PROVIDED FOR 2035, 2045, 2050 AND 2055.
SOURCE: HDR, INC. COMMUNITY IMPACT
“The tower makes better use of space, and I think future us will thank us for planning ahead,” Webb said. Martin Aguirre, HDR, Inc., project architect, said building vertically would require enhanced re-pro- tected construction, potentially increasing struc- tural costs, but would preserve land and provide long-term exibility. Once HDR delivers updated estimates, the court will determine design direction, nancing and a construction timeline.
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Education
BY ETHAN THOMAS
CISD outlines actions after state audits Comal ISD o cials presented an overview of recent intruder-detection audits and corresponding corrective actions during the board’s regular meeting Nov. 20. The Texas Education Agency conducted intruder-detection audits statewide between June 2022 and November 2025. Within that time, TEA completed 11 audits across all campuses in the district, according to the meeting presentation. Findings from the audits and subsequent corrective measures will be reviewed with the district’s Safety and Security Committee on April 16, 2026. Next steps following intruder- audit ndings The most recent set of audits—conducted in October 2025—highlighted action items aimed to strength campus security.
New Braunfels High School hosted an open house to showcase the completion of Phase 1 construction.
ETHAN THOMAS COMMUNITY IMPACT
NBISD preserves history amid campus transition New Braunfels High School opened Phase 1 of its new campus in early January and continues demolition of its original 1964 building. Meanwhile, New Braunfels ISD is working to preserve memora- bilia, traditions and campus history, according to an update to board trustees Dec. 8. A preservation committee made up of current and former NBHS sta members, alumni, parents and administration sta , was created, according to board documents. Read all about it Several memorials from the original campus will remain on display. A portrait of Gary Simon, a former football player, who died on the eld, will be placed in a central common area. Another portrait will be displayed in the athletic eld house alongside a portrait of former student and football player Adam Trollinger, according to a district news
release. The committee documented 10 painted murals in the original building. Eight will be digitally archived, while two murals painted by Joe J. Arevalo near the gym will be preserved and installed near the entrance of the new gym, the release states. Other keepsakes, including the running Unicorn glass and the iconic Unicorn mosaic from the orig- inal front entrance, will be relocated to prominent locations in the new building. Building plaques, non-award team photos and senior class pictures will be digitally archived and shared on a publicly accessible district webpage, with senior class pho- tos also stored in the new library, the release states. Inside the gym, select banners will remain, including those honoring longtime coach Clifton Wilkins and former student-athlete Kyle Hittle. Marking a milestone Completion of Phase 1 construction includes a new three-story main building, career and technical training classrooms, cafeteria and common areas, as previously reported by Community Impact .
All campus employees received training to ensure exterior doors are locked and latched District developed comprehensive security improvement plan, prioritizing timely work order completion on exterior doors Findings to be reviewed by district Safety and Security Committee on April 16
Formal noti cation of ndings to school board trustees
SOURCE: COMAL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Comal ISD announces new chief communications officer hire
Comal ISD announced the hire of its new chief communications o cer, Christina Eckert, Dec. 15. The details Eckert brings 20 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing and media across public education and broadcast journal- ism. In her new position, she will oversee dis- trictwide communications e orts and support CISD’s mission, according to a news release.
Learn more Earlier in her career, she worked as a television anchor and reporter in San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Boston, covering community issues, education and public a airs, the release states. Most recently, Eckert served as director of marketing for Northside ISD, where she led com- munications initiatives focused on enrollment growth, community engagement and brand storytelling, according to the release.
“I am excited for the opportunity to celebrate students, strengthen community trust and support Comal
ISD’s commitment to ‘Growing Greatness.’” CHRISTINA ECKERT, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Transportation
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Upcoming project
SMITHSON VALLEY RD.
Completed project
1 Smithson Valley Bridge Project: The bridge is being built to address a low-water crossing area at Smithson Valley Road and FM 1863 over Cibolo Creek. Update: The project is currently in the design phase. • Timeline: Construction is set to begin January, with an estimated completion date of September 2026. • Cost: $2.8 million split evenly between Comal County and Bexar County • Funding source: Comal County and Bexar County fiscal year 2024 budgets
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3 Altgelt Bridge Project: The new bridge was built to address safety concerns at a low-water crossing area. Update: The bridge opened in December. • Timeline: April-December 2025 • Cost: $2.4 million • Funding source: Comal County fiscal year 2024 budget
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2 I-35 at FM 725 Project: The Texas Department of Transportation is working on intersection operational improvements at the I-35 and FM 725 intersection. Update: Intersection resurfacing is underway. • Timeline: 2021-winter 2026 • Cost: $5.59 million • Funding source: TxDOT
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Development
BY ETHAN THOMAS
The Neue developers receive $2.2M for utility improvements
Breaking down the cost The $2.2 million will be paid to the developers as projects are completed, according to the council presentation.
A four-story mixed-use condominium devel- opment called The Neue is on to the next stages of development after New Braunfels City Council approved a $2.2 million expenditure Nov. 24. The expenditure was a recommendation from the New Braunfels Economic Development Corp., or NBEDC, after a meeting held Sept. 30. Developers with Seals Family Properties and Gillum Development were looking for nancial support to fund on- and o -site infrastructure costs, initially listed for $2 million, as previously reported by Community Impact . The update Costs include the development of the project and public infrastructure improvements. The improvements will be along Guenther Avenue and W. San Antonio Street, and include sidewalk, drainage and utility improvements and Ameri- cans with Disabilities Act-compliant enhance- ments, Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney said during the council presentation. The NBEDC plans to use the development as a way to ful ll other policy objectives, such as walkability, connectivity and the expansion of underground utilities, Matney said. Funding for the project will come from NBEDC, funded primarily by a portion of sales tax. Of the full amount, $700,000 will be awarded to developers Seals Family Properties and Gillum Development as right-of-way and utility projects are completed. The remaining $1.5 million will be paid after a certi cate of occupancy is given to the property, according to the presentation.
Phase Description
Max amount Trigger for reimbursement Payment timing
Engineering and nal design of Guenther St.
$100K
Submittal of nal design to NBEDC
30 days after delivery
1
Construction of public right-of-way improvements
$600K
Monthly invoices for completed work
30 days after request
2
Project improvements
$1.5M Completion and city/ NBEDC approval
After completion milestones - $25M capital investment and certi cate of occupancy
3
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Neue
The Neue will be located at 699 W. San Antonio St. in New Braunfels.
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RENDERING COURTESY THE NEUE AND TBA DOUGLAS
Despite being heralded as a catalyst, The Neue is the last project listed in the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ, to be completed, according to the city. The Downtown TIRZ was formed in 2021 to capture 85% of sales tax in an area encompassing downtown New Braunfels to help fund walkability and connec- tivity projects, according to the city’s website.
The details The Neue will act as a catalyst for future proj- ects in downtown, which city o cials hope will kick-start further redevelopment of the area. “This is a rst in the market for us, and we think it will be the rst of many and a true public-private partnership to move forward successful redevelopment in our downtown,” Matney said.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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Development
BY ETHAN THOMAS
73 acres rezoned for Walmart complex permitting stages, the rezoning allows the company to nalize land acquisition to expand its truck and trailer operations, increase distribution capacity and incorporate additional logistics technology, according to the presentation. The facility is one of the company’s earliest distribution hubs, which employs more than 1,100 workers, with an average hourly wage of $27.
One more thing
The center supplies over 100 Walmart stores across Central, South and Southwest Texas, reaching as far as Houston, the Rio Grande Valley and the Midland-Odessa area, Jaime said. The company recently invested $20 million to modernize the existing facility, including robotics and equipment upgrades, to ensure the distribution center remains “globally competitive” as customer expectations for rapid delivery continue to grow, Jaime said. The center also plays a key role in emergencies, serving as a staging point for essential goods during regional disasters, he added. No timeline, cost or scope of work was provided during the presentation, but the rezoning is the rst step in a longer process that will include tra c studies, airport-overlay compliance and standard city permitting, according to the Nov. 24 presentation.
New Braunfels City Council approved an ordinance rezoning a 72.097-acre property east of the Walmart Distribution Center at a regular meeting Dec. 8, in hopes of allowing for the expansion of the regional hub. The property—owned by the Frederick Frueholz, Jr. Estate—is located between I-35 and FM 1101. Walmart Stores East, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc., requested that the property be rezoned from Agricultural to Light Industrial, according to a presentation to City Council on Nov. 24. The rezoning supports a multi-million dollar investment in the company’s New Braunfels distribution and transportation complex, which opened in 1988 and now spans over 1 million square feet, said Ivan Jaime, Walmart’s director of government and public a airs. While full design plans will follow in later
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health & wellness
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Health & Wellness Edition
2026
Howdy, neighbors! A healthy community is shaped by connection, access, and the shared spaces that bring us together—from our trails and rivers to the local organizations that support us. To us, health and wellness are about time outdoors, meaningful connections and resources that support our physical, mental, and social well-being. In this guide, you’ll nd updates on trail projects throughout the community, a feature on a boxing gym o ering a unique experience and the latest from local nonpro ts helping our community live healthier. This issue wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses and sponsors. We hope you’ll show your appreciation by supporting them to help keep our community thriving.
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Program looks to help teens impacted by substance use Previously, families in Comal County seeking services had to travel to San Antonio or Austin, often creating barriers to consistent and timely care. The new program hopes to help remove those obstacles and help more individuals by keeping treatment close to home, Program Director Zach Saunders said. “We are extremely excited to launch this pro- 600 573
RecoveryWerks! is now o ering a new level of care for teens and families impacted by substance use with Comal County’s rst and only Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP. The program launched in October and provides recovery support services for teens and families in rural communities a ected by substance use, according to a news release from the organization. The details An IOP is intended to bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient services. Participants receive several hours of therapy and support each week while continuing to attend school and remain engaged in daily life, the release states. The organization currently provides free services through peer recovery support specialists and licensed chemical dependency counselors. The Adolescent IOP is a fee-based service, with pricing tied to the level of care provided.
Unique clients year-to-year Since 2016, the nonpro t saw fewer than 50 unique clients, with that number growing to over 350 by scal year 2025, RecoveryWerks! Executive Director Deborah Dickensheets said.
490
gram,” Saunders said in the release. “In 2025 alone, we served over 360 individuals, and the demand continues to grow.” Something to note Data shows a dip in clients in 2024 after Comal ISD stopped o ering a shortened stay at alternative education schools for students who participated in the program. The organization required parent or guardian participation for at least four weeks of the program, which became an issue for some parents. This led CISD to remove the incentive, RecoveryW- erks! Executive Director Deborah Dickensheets said.
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NOTE: THE ORGANIZATION'S FISCAL YEAR RUNS FROM APRIL 1 TO MARCH 31. Fiscal year
17
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Health & wellness
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Nonprofit now offering affordable counseling program in New Braunfels
One more thing
Matthews said the ARC Program was created to extend Connections’ therapeutic services to all ages. “Our goal is to provide more affordable options for mental health and well-being to everyone in our community in a safe, nonjudgmental space,” Matthews said in the release.
Connections Individual and Family Services has expanded its mental health offerings in Comal County through its Affordable Rate Counseling Program, or ARC. The ARC Program, which offers individual counseling sessions with a licensed professional, is available for residents of all ages at a flat rate of $45 per session. Sessions are available in person at the nonprofit’s New Braunfels and Bulverde offices, or virtually, according to a news release. Since its September launch, Connections has seen 20 individuals, Chief Clinical Officer Micki Matthews said in an email to Community Impact . “The initial feedback has been extremely
1 in 5 Comal County residents face a mental health need
is the cost for a counseling session through the ARC Program residents is the number to every one mental health care provider
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$45
Individuals interested in requesting a counseling appointment can visit www.connectionsifs.org/ counseling-referral to complete an online form. Once the form is submitted, a counselor will reach out to schedule the first appointment.
SOURCE: MCKENNA FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
positive, affordable mental health care options are a real need in our community,” Matthews said. The program is only being offered in Comal County, specifically at the nonprofit’s Bulverde and New Braunfels offices. Matthews said they are planning to expand the program to other counties over time.
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18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Trail segment underway in Creekside
Alligator Creek Trail East 1 H-E-B Plus! 2 Resolute Baptist Hospital
shared-use path connecting the creek trail to existing pedestrian infrastructure within the Texas Department of Transportation and city rights-of- way, agenda documents state. Council approved an ordinance in February 2023 expanding the Creekside Tax Increment Reinvest- ment Zone, or TIRZ, to include the Alligator Creek Trail East corridor. The action authorized up to $5 million in TIRZ funding for the project’s design and construction. A TIRZ allows the city to capture a portion of taxes within a designated area to be used in the reinvestment or development of the zone, according to the city’s website. Quote of note Bransford said this is an exciting project. “We want to build trails throughout the entire community, and this is a fast-growing area of town. Creekside has a lot of, not only residential traffic, but of course commercial traffic and it will
The Alligator Creek Trail is growing longer as the city moves to the next stages of the trail’s east segment. New Braunfels City Council approved an agree- ment with engineering firm Freese and Nichols, Inc. for the final plans, specifications and esti- mated cost for the construction of the east portion of Alligator Creek Trail Dec. 8. Alligator Creek is a 6.5-mile trail being built in two different segments: east and west, New Braunfels Park Development Manager Jeff Brans- ford told Community Impact . The east segment of the trail will be approximately 4 miles and “meander” through the Creekside shopping area, down to FM 1101 and connect with some of the nearby residential areas to create a loop that goes back toward Sophie Lane, Bransford said. The firm submitted a proposal for final design and construction administration services not to exceed $780,438. Plans call for a new 12-foot-wide
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be good to get trail on the ground,” he said. Looking ahead Construction timelines for Phase 1 will be deter- mined following completion of the final design. The final design for the east segment of the trail is slated to be completed in late 2026, Bransford said.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health & wellness
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
5 trail updates to know in New Braunfels
Key
New Trail Existing Trail
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Sun ower Ridge
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MISSION HILL PARK
City sta in New Braunfels continue to work on trail projects throughout the community to help improve mobility and walkability for residents. At a glance New Braunfels’ Park Development Manager, Je Bransford, said trails are the most popular and requested park and recreation amenity in New Braunfels. “I think one of the reasons that they’re so popular is that they can be enjoyed by just about everyone regardless of age or ability,” Bransford said. 1 Alligator Creek Trail-Sun ower Ridge Project: This multimodal trail will ll a gap in the Sun ower Ridge subdivision, extending the Alligator Creek Trail toward the Wasser Ranch neighborhood. The project will also include the development of a 2-acre trailhead park within Sun ower Ridge. Update: design complete • Length: 0.33 mi • Timeline: late 2025-June 2026 • Funding source: Sunflower Ridge, to meet the requirements of the City’s Park Land Dedication and Development Ordinance 2 Mission Hill Park-Phase 2 Project: This park will be the city’s highest observation point with trails. It will also have a meeting room space for 25-30 people. Update: under construction • Length: 2 miles • Timeline: expected to be completed in spring or summer of 2026 • Funding source: city of New Braunfels 2023 bond 3 Dry Comal Creek Trail This trail will feature a multiuse hike-and-bike trail along Dry Comal Creek, connecting Landa Park to the city limits. The planned corridor is 5 to 6 miles. Bransford said the Dry Comal Creek Trail is along the corridor for the Great Springs Project—a 100-mile trail system between Austin and San Antonio. “The Dry Comal Trail, not only is [going to] serve a lot of residents in a core part of town, but it’s also [going to] serve a broader, regional purpose by helping to advance the Texas Bicentennial Trail,” Bransford said. 3A Segment 1 Project: This segment will connect Landa Street with Walnut Avenue. Update: nal design expected to be completed in spring 2026
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4 Waterway Lane Project: The trail will connect Gruene Road to FM 306. The corridor is right of way that the city no longer intends to use as a road, Bransford said. Update: city submitted federal grant application in spring 2025 • Length: 2.4 miles • Timeline: TBD • Funding source: pending federal grant and city funds 5 County Line Memorial Trail Project: This existing trail goes from County Line to FM 725. The trail includes rest areas with benches and pedestrian bridges that connect surrounding neighborhoods to the trail. County Line Memorial Trail is bike, run, dog and kid-friendly. Update: Bransford said some of the concrete along the trail is beginning to separate. The city plans to x those areas up to make the trail a safe and enjoyable experience. The city also plans to replace some of the benches and trash cans. • Length: 2.2 miles • Timeline: Ongoing-completion anticipated in 2026 • Funding source: City funds
• Length: 0.9 miles • Timeline: completion expected spring 2027 • Funding source: federal grant, New Braunfels Economic Development Corp., city 3B Segments 2 and 3 Project: This segment of the greenway will have a trailhead at Dry Comal Nature Trails. It will connect Walnut Avenue to the city limits at Altgelt Lane. Update: nal design pending funding • Length: 2.4 miles • Timeline: TBD • Funding source: TBD Segment 4 Project: This segment of the trail is beyond city limits and is not city-led. Bransford said the city anticipates working with Comal County and other partners to
complete this segment of the trail. Update: nal design pending funding • Length: 2.4 miles • Timeline: TBD • Funding source: TBD
21
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Health and 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
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
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 • https://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
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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