BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
New Braunfels park facilities usage, 2020-24
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Zooming in
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The Comal Trails Alliance plays a role in advocating for trail development within the city’s master plan. Organization President Jonathan Alorda emphasized the importance of trails for physical and mental health, social interaction, and environ- mental connection. The Comal Trails Alliance provides volunteer labor for trail construction and maintenance, collaborates with the city and other organizations, and advocates for trail development within the city’s master plan. Alorda highlighted the need for continued public engagement and advocacy to ensure the success of trail initiatives. The city’s parks and recreation department has seen a significant increase in park usage in recent
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Das Rec members
Total park facility reservations
Landa Park Aquatic Complex admissions
Resident river parking passes issued
Landa Park Golf Course Rounds
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
“We’ve certainly seen an increase over the last 10 years in all of those numbers across the board,” Bransford said. The city is also working to improve accessibility to its parks and trails for all residents, Bransford said.
years, reflecting the growing demand for outdoor spaces. The department monitors park usage through various metrics, such as park reservations, recreation program registrations, and membership numbers at facilities like Das Rec.
Economic benefits by county
Looking ahead
Measuring the impact
Health benefits Economic benefits
Land and water benefits Transportation benefits
The city’s master plan will guide the development of new parks, improve existing facilities, and expand the trail network. Key initiatives include the development of Northwest Park, the expansion of the Dry Comal Creek Greenway and the integration of the city’s trail system with the regional Great Springs Project. “Hopefully, in the next five to 10 years, we really do see a way to get from the north and south extremes of the city into downtown on a bike,” Alorda said.
Parks and trails provide significant benefits, align- ing with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for healthy communities. They offer opportunities for physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing obesity risk. “It’s exercise; it’s fresh air; it’s de-stressing from work,” Alorda said. “Humans should feel very much at home outside.” Those benefits of the outdoors are also tied to economic growth. As an example, the nonprofit organization Great Springs Project is expected to generate $55.92 million in annual benefits across the four counties it runs through: Bexar, Comal, Hays and Travis.
Comal County
Bexar County
Total $16.34M
Total $9.88M
SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
According to the Great Springs Project, with the connection of the regional trail system from San Antonio to Austin, people are more likely to spend on food, retail, entertainment and lodging.
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