New Braunfels | March 2025

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 MARCH 8APRIL 4, 2025

2025 Camp Guide

Preserving the past Preservation eorts bring new life to historic spaces

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & DARCY SPRAGUE

2025

New Braunfels was founded in 1845, and by 1850 it was the fourth largest city in Texas, according to the Texas State Historical Associ- ation. While the city has lost that claim to fame, government and community groups are spearheading preservation eorts to maintain the city’s charm. In the last 10 years, more than 7,000 permits, from roof repairs to remodels, have been led with the city to complete work on historic facilities in the city’s downtown as new businesses open in the old facilities, according to city data. While several new businesses have opened recently in the downtown historic district, other buildings sit empty or under construc- tion as business owners say they are navigat- ing the unique challenges of nding a home in these spaces, including extra permitting steps and additional renovation costs.

CONTINUED ON 24

1919

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2025 Camp Guide

TOP PHOTO: JEREMY PROCTORCENTRAL TEXAS AERIALSCOMMUNITY IMPACT. BOTTOM PHOTO: COURTESY TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

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Benefits of Mulch

Less soil temperature fluctuation Rain and irrigation erosion prevention Weed growth suppression

Less water use saves you money Reduction in water evaporation Root growth and plant health

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

2 Family Care Center The mental health clinic offers a wide range of outpatient mental health services. • Opened Feb. 11 • 640 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 1208, New Braunfels • 830-251-4836 3 Pep Talk Pediatrics The practice, owned by Michelle Andrews, offers speech therapy evaluations for speech sound disorders and early language development. • Opened mid-November • 457 Landa St., Ste. A, New Braunfels • www.peptalkpediatrics.com 1101 4 13 Trees Coffee Haus 13 Trees Coffee Haus—owned by Jamie Rosales— specializes in siphon-brewed coffee. • Opened Dec. 31 • 1450 W. Klein Road, New Braunfels • Facebook: 13 Trees Coffee Haus 5 Sundance Mercantile The boutique sells women’s apparel, home decor, stationery items and more. • Opened Nov. 13

306

SUNDANCE PKWY.

CREEKSIDE WAY

1101

337

GENERATIONS DR.

OAK RUN PKWY.

CENTRAL PLAZA

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

ISLAND

OELKERS DR.

9 6

337

• 1206 Gruene Road, New Braunfels • Instagram: Sundance Mercantile

UNICORN AVE.

LAKE DUNLAP

SPUR ST.

1044

Coming soon

CALANDRA LARK

6 Pilates Platinum The pilates studio will offer 45-minute group pilates classes. • Opening in April • 1430 Unicorn Ave., Ste. 103, New Braunfels • www.pilatesplatinum.com 7 Poco Loco Supermercado The supermarket will sell produce, meat, canned goods and pastries. • Opening TBA • Hwy. 46 and Oelkers Drive, New Braunfels • www.pocolocosupermercado.com

1044

725

MAP NOT TO SCALE

range of classic and signature cocktails. The bar also serves flatbreads, salads, entrees and desserts. • Opened Feb. 11

Now open

1 Cowboys & Cadillacs The three-story rooftop bar—owned by Cameron Corzine— serves as a live music venue and offers a wide

• 125 N. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.cowboysandcadillacsnb.com

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BY THALIA GUZMAN, SHAHERYAR KHAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

8 Corral Prime Meat Market The market will serve as a “local, one-stop shop” for high- quality cuts of meat, according to a social media post. • Opening TBD • 1836 Spur St., New Braunfels • www.corralprime.com 9 New Braunfels’ Barber The barbershop—owned by Fred Cortez—will specialize in men’s grooming, offering traditional men’s haircuts, razor fades and straight razor shaves. • Opening mid-March • 1430 Unicorn Ave., Ste. 102, New Braunfels • Facebook: New Braunfels’ Barber

13 Signature Nails The nail salon relocated from 161 Creekside Way, Ste. 302, to 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 310. Signature Nails offers manicures, pedicures, eyelash services and waxes. • Relocated Feb. 21 • 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 310, New Braunfels • www.signaturenailsnb.com

Now open

In the news

14 Texas Thai The Thai food truck temporarily closed in the beginning of January for renovations. Texas Thai will reopen concurrently with Irish bar Kennedy’s Tavern with a new menu. • 312 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: Texas Thai 15 Wild Bloom Market The boutique, previously owned by Marie Finger, changed ownership Jan. 2. Wild Bloom Market is now owned by Deepa Krishna Naik. Naik also owns New Braunfels Coffee.

18 Winslet Provisions The coffee shop—locally operated by Jerry and Meredith Purtle—serves specialty coffee, espresso and teas. • Opened Jan. 24 • 2164 Oak Run Parkway, New Braunfels • www.winsletprovisions.com

Relocations

10 Hill Country Internal Medicine and Weight Loss

The medical clinic—locally owned by Majid Atique—is currently located at 790 Generations Drive, Ste. 210, but will be relocating to 741 Generations Drive, Ste. 205. Hill Country Internal Medicine and Weight Loss specializes in medical weight loss and also provides primary care. • Relocating in mid-March • 741 Generations Drive, Ste. 205, New Braunfels • www.myprivia.com/hillcountryim 11 Northeast Lakeview College The college is relocating its New Braunfels campus at 2193 FM 758 to 2049 Sundance Parkway. Classes are expected to begin at the new location in spring of 2026. • Relocating in spring 2026 • 2049 Sundance Parkway, New Braunfels • www.alamo.edu/nlc 12 Petals to Go The flower shop, locally-owned by Leslie Hayes, relocated from 1515 N. Walnut Ave. to 1847 Hwy 46, Ste. H in New Braunfels. The flower shop sells flower arrangements, home goods, semiprecious jewelry, beer,

• 189 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.wildbloommarket.company.site

16 Beauté Rituals The beauty shop—owned by Amanda Garza—will celebrate its five-year anniversary in May. Beauté Rituals specializes in eyebrow services, such as tinting, waxing and shaping, as well as skin care treatments and permanent makeup. • 605 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 103, New Braunfels • Facebook: Beauté Rituals

19 Le Citron European Café & Bistro The locally owned cafe was known for its European- inspired menu items. • Closed Feb. 19 • 173 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels 20 Las Fontanas The family-owned and operated restaurant closed its Creekside location. Las Fontanas serves freshly made margaritas and authentic street tacos made with fresh flour tortillas • Closed Feb. 23 • 2031 Central Plaza, Ste. 103, New Braunfels

Closings

17 Willy B’s Burgers and Pizza The restaurant was known for its handcrafted pizzas and burgers. • Closed Jan. 31 • 2188 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels

wine and gourmet food. • Relocated in February • 1847 Hwy 46, Ste. H, New Braunfels • www.petalstogo-nb.com

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

City Council to finalize contract related to downtown parking

parking spaces beginning March 1, Jewell said. The city would pay a $265,672 lump sum annu- ally for a three-year term for those management services with two one-year extensions, according to the meeting presentation. Jewell said they do not anticipate there to be any sort of fiscal impact because the anticipated revenue from the parking enforcement would cover the cost of the contract. The outlook The city can either contract for services—which is the recommended approach—or hire additional staff and create a new department. The city can also build more parking spaces, but constructing new parking garages or lots, especially in the downtown area, is very expensive, Jewell said. Stay tuned Ordinance changes will be presented to the City Council in the coming months, Jewell said.

New Braunfels City Council is finalizing a con- tract with Interstate Parking for parking manage- ment services in select city parks and downtown. What you need to know Paid parking enforcement by Interstate Parking in select city parks would begin May 1, Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community develop- ment, said during a Feb. 24 City Council meeting. Paid parking would also be enforced in parts of downtown that currently have two-hour parking time limits. Parking on small portions of East San Antonio and East Mill Street that are adjacent to Prince Solms Park and the small parking lot in front of Circle Arts Theatre on Elizabeth Avenue would also be included in paid river parking. Diving in deeper Interstate Parking would assume enforcement of paid river parking and downtown managed

Paid parking would be enforced at the following parks during the upcoming river season, which is May 1 through Labor Day.

HINMAN ISLAND

HINMAN ISLAND PARK

PRINCE SOLMS PARK

E. SAN ANTONIO ST.

RIVER ACRES PARK

COMAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

337

CYPRESS BEND PARK

GUADALUPE RIVER

PEACE AVE.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DACIA GARCIA, SHAHERYAR KHAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

City breaks ground on Phase 2 of Mission Hill Park City officials broke ground on the second phase of Mission Hill Park—a 10-acre park located at 2100 Independence Drive, New Braunfels—on Feb. 5. The first phase broke ground in 2022, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . Project details 337 OAK RUN PKWY. INDEPENDENCE DR. Mission Hill Park

2 bills filed in support of downtown plan Two Texas legislators have filed bills that will help move the city of New Braunfels’ South Castell Visioning Plan forward, according to a news release. District 25 State Sen. Donna Campbell filed Senate Bill 1444 and District 73 State Rep. Carrie Isaac filed House Bill 2289—both of which are designed to authorize the city to leverage state tax revenues generated by a hotel and convention center project for authorized public improvements, the news release states. What you need to know The city has been proactively working to identify potential funding sources for the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center’s future expansion. Stay tuned The city of New Braunfels will continue to collaborate with state legislators and other key community stakeholders to secure the passage of the aforementioned bills, the news release states. “[HB 2289] ensures that tax revenues generated by a hotel and convention center project can be reinvested into the community, strengthening local infrastructure and supporting economic growth.” CARRIE ISAAC, STATE REPRESENTATIVE

The second phase of the $12 million project was approved by voters in 2023 as part of Proposition B. Phase 2 will include a three-story, 7,600-square- foot observation tower with meeting space and restrooms on the first floor. An elevated walkway will also connect the ground level to the second floor of the tower, providing views of the sur- rounding area. The project will feature an ADA-accessible path from Independence Drive to the top of the hill and several natural surface trails throughout the hilltop property.

Digging deeper Once completed, Mission Hill Park will be the first public park serving residents near Loop 337, providing a new recreational space as New Braunfels continues to grow, council member D. Lee Edwards said. What’s next Phase 2 construction is anticipated to be completed by February 2026, Scott McClelland, director of transportation & capital improve- ments said.

New Braunfels Public Library to replace RIOmobile New Braunfels Public Library will be replacing its mobile library system, RIOmobile, with a new mobile outreach program called Library Express, according to a news release. About the program

previously used RIOmobile but the service will still promote mobile programming, educate individuals about eLibrary services and deliver services to seniors who are unable to visit the library. Looking ahead The city hopes to launch the new program later this year, according to the news release.

The library’s RIOrover Ford Transit van will be refurbished to become the new mobile library program. The new vehicle is smaller than the

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

NBISD reviews student performance

State NBISD Percent of students mastering grade level Region

Academic performance has improved in New Braunfels ISD, according to its 2023-24 Texas Aca- demic Performance Report, or TAPR. The Texas Education Code requires districts to publish the TAPR annually, which breaks down students’ State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness scores during the 2023-24 school year and demographics. By the numbers The report shows the demographic makeup of the district is predominantly Hispanic and white. Out of 9,749 total students, approximately 38.6% of students in NBISD are economically disadvantaged, whereas 62.2% of students in the state are economi- cally disadvantaged. About 37.5% of students are “at risk”—a term used to describe students who are likely to fail academi- cally or drop out of school—which is also a decrease. Digging deeper About 60% of NBISD students are meeting grade

level. The district was outperforming the state in 2021 in English language arts, science, social studies and math; however, the percentage of students in the district meeting grade level in math, science and social studies has decreased since 2021. NBISD students in the 2023-24 school year outperformed both the state and region in mastery of English language arts, science and social studies, data shows. One more thing The state is in litigation with numerous districts over accountability ratings due to concerns that changes made to how the ratings are calculated will harm districts by drastically reducing their scores, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . Although NBISD is not part of the lawsuit, the board of trustees approved a resolution in March to speak in opposition to the mid-year change to the 2022-23 school year performance ratings.

Social Studies

Reading, language arts

Math

Science

2024 summary of student demographics in NBISD

Hispanic 48.5% White 44.2% Two or more 3.7%

African American 1.9%

Asian 1.1%

SOURCE: 2023-24 TEXAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Comal ISD breaks ground on new middle school Comal ISD broke ground on Middle School No. 9—a new campus located at 5708 Guthrie Trail, New Braunfels—on Feb. 5. How we got here Residents within Comal ISD voted for Proposi- tion A in the 2023 bond election, which is funding the new middle school to provide capacity relief for Oak Creek and Freiheit Elementary Schools. Digging deeper Tim Hennessee, Comal ISD’s board of trustees vice president, said student enrollment increases by about 1,000 students each year. However, the district could enroll up to 40,000 students by 2026, according to enrollment projections. Looking ahead The school is slated to open in the fall of 2027.

Pay increase OK’d for NBISD bus drivers The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved a pay increase for bus drivers Feb. 10. What you need to know The district is currently facing a signicant shortage of bus drivers, with 19 vacant positions to date, agenda documents state. Digging deeper To attract more qualied drivers and mit- igate this challenge, the district increased the starting rate from $18.30 to $21.30 per hour. The $3 pay increase would apply to all current bus drivers as well, according to agenda documents. Funds for the pay increase are being allocated from the district’s general fund and total $160,000, agenda documents state.

Comal ISD ocials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Middle School No. 9 on Feb. 5. AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Comal ISD Middle School 9

Comal ISD Elementary School 23

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Transportation

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

New Braunfels National Airport fuels local economy

As the New Braunfels National Airport contin- ues to grow, so do its contributions to the local economy. The airport is on track to increase its operations by 8% this year. The setup The airport was reclassified from the New Braunfels Regional Airport to the New Braunfels National Airport in 2021, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . It is now 1 of 142 airports classified as a national airport. In Texas, it is 1 of 15 airports with a national designation. The Federal Aviation Administration’s reclas- sification means the New Braunfels National Airport is deemed as a “key player” in the entirety of the national airport system, Airport Director Robert Lee said. Not only does that mean the airport handles international flights, but it also means it has access to more federal grant funding.

A closer look In fiscal year 2017-18, the airport was averaging about 4,500 in operations, totaling 54,000 opera- tions for the year. In fiscal year 2023-24, the airport was averaging over 6,500 operations a month, which is an indicator that more aircrafts are using the airport and more businesses are coming to New Braunfels, Lee said. “As the airport grows, it’s indicative of city growth but it also entices companies that have an aviation arm to use New Braunfels,” he said. Based on Q1 averages, the airport is on track to conclude fiscal year 2024-25 with 85,000 opera- tions, Lee said. The impact With over $56 million in private investment at the airport today, general aviation is an “integral” part of New Braunfels’ local economy, said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development. It helps keep property tax rates down while

New Braunfels National Airport operations Operations are airplanes flying in and out of the airport between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Monthly average

6,548

5,741

5,532

0 20K 40K 60K 80K

4,513

2017-18

2019-20 2021-22 2023-24

Fiscal year

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS NATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

supporting local businesses. “The city is able to collect more resources in order to improve services throughout the commu- nity and doesn’t have to pass that cost onto other property owners,” he said.

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BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Requested parking by permit boundary

New Braunfels denies permit parking application

New Braunfels City Council denied a parking by permit appli- cation that would establish a new parking by permit area at portions of South Academy Avenue and West Cross Street on Feb. 10. How we got here Initially, city staff recom- mended approval. But during the Transportation and Traffic Advi- sory Board’s Jan. 9 meeting, the board recommended to establish a two-hour parking time limit in the area instead, according to agenda documents. Garry Ford, director of trans- portation and capital improve- ments, said the recommendation prompted a broader evaluation of the permitted parking request, which involved coordination across multiple departments, including engineering, planning and development services, and economic and community development. Following further evaluation of the request, staff did not recommend approval because the location serves adjacent resi- dences and businesses, and public rights-of-way are intended to provide public parking, according to a meeting presentation.

Some context The request for parking by per- mit was driven by residents in the area who expressed concerns over the growing difficulty of finding parking due to nearby businesses and downtown events, Ford said. Digging deeper Residents requesting the park- ing by permit zone on the east and west sides of South Academy Ave- nue, from the intersection with West Cross Street to the northern and southern intersections with West Coll Street, and on the south side of West Cross Street signed a petition requesting enforcement from 10 a.m. to midnight year- round, according to the meeting presentation. Sixteen out of 20 residents living within the area signed the petition—agreeing to pay for annual parking permits, according to agenda documents. Stay tuned The city is looking to conduct a comprehensive review of its parking permit ordinance with consideration to the city’s overall parking policies and resident expectations, according to the presentation.

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Community Camp Guide

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Camp Guide Edition! Summer for kids is more than just a break from school; it’s an opportunity for growth. With extra time on their hands, children can explore new interests, forge friendships, and develop essential life skills like teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. The memories made during summer camp often last a lifetime, creating a foundation for future success. As you plan for the summer, we hope our local Summer Camp Guide proves useful. It’s designed to help you nd the right camp that aligns with your child’s interests and goals. We also encourage you to check out our advertisers who help support the work we do, ensuring we continue to deliver valuable news and resources to your mailbox and inbox. Let’s make this summer an unforgettable one for your child!

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What's inside

Learn about the children’s exhibits at the McKenna Children’s Museum (Page 21)

Read about T Bar M Camps & Retreats multimillion- dollar expansion (Page 22)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Camp Minnehaha Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 (weekly) Cost: $135 (residents), $185 (nonresidents) (weekly ) • 164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide Camp Printing & History Adventure Type: day / education Ages: grades 5-8 Dates: June 10-12; July 8-10 Cost: $75 (weekly) • Sophienburg Museum, 401 W. Coll St., New Braunfels • www.sophienburg.com

Cost: $180-$375 (weekly) • 1847 Hwy. 46, Ste. D, New Braunfels • www.codeninjas.com/tx-new-braunfels Comal ISD Camps Type: day / sports / arts / STEM Ages: grades 6-12 Dates: June 9-July 28 Cost: $95-$273 (cost varies per camp) (weekly) • Varies per camp (Comal ISD schools) • www.comalisd.ce.eleyo.com Compass Bible Church Hill Country Vacation Bible School Type: day / spiritual Ages: grades K-5 Dates: June 17-20 Cost: $15 (weekly) • 2415 Lifehaus Industrial Drive, New Braunfels • www.compasshillcountry.org Art Camp Type: day / art Ages: grades K-5 Dates: July 8-11 Cost: $15 (weekly) • 2415 Lifehaus Industrial Drive, New Braunfels • www.compasshillcountry.org

This list is not comprehensive.

New Braunfels

AAGI Gymnastics Type: day Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 26-Aug. 15 Cost: $240-$395 (weekly) • 241 Watson Lane W., New Braunfels • www.americanall-star.com

Alla Prima Art Studio Type: day / art Ages: 5-13 Dates: June 2-Aug. 11 Cost: $275-$325 (weekly)

Christian Youth Theater Type: day / arts Ages: 4-13 Dates: July 8-19 Cost: $275-$325 (weekly) • 1389 Industrial St., New Braunfels • www.cytsanantonio.org/camps

• 1386 Industrial Drive, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.allaprimaartstudio.com/summercamps

Brauntex Theatre Type: arts / theatre / music Ages: 10-14 Dates: July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-Aug. 1 Cost: $79 (weekly) • 290 W. San Antonio Street, New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org

Code Ninjas Type: day / academics Ages: 5 and above Dates: June 30-Aug. 8

CONTINUED ON 16

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Community

Moana Musical Workshop Type: day / dance Ages: 3-10 Dates: Aug. 4-8 Cost: $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com

Ages: 3-10 Dates: June 9-13 Cost: $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com 4th of July Camp Type: day / dance Ages : 3-10 Dates: June 30-July 4 Cost: $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com How To Train Your Dragon Camp Type: day / dance Ages: 3-10 Dates: July 21-25 Cost: $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com Wicked Musical Showcase Type: day / dance Ages: 3-10 Dates: J uly 28-Aug. 1, Aug. 11-15 Cost: $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com

CONTINUED FROM 15 Science Camp Type: day / science

Ages: grades K-5 Dates: Aug. 12-15 Cost: $15 (weekly) • 2415 Lifehaus Industrial Drive, New Braunfels • www.compasshillcountry.org Dance by Design Studios Bluey Dance Mode Camp Type: day / dance Ages: 3-10 Dates: May 27-30; July 14-18 Cost: $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com Princess and Unicorns Camp Type: day / dance Ages: 3-10 Dates: June 2-6; June 23-27; July 7-11 Cost $225-$350 (weekly) • 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 13, New Braunfels • www.dancebydesignstudios.com Summer Beach Party Camp Type: day / dance

Das Rec Pickleball Camp Introduction Type: day / sports Ages: 8-14 Dates: June 23-27, July 21-27 Cost: $50 (weekly) • 345 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide Pickleball Camp Intermediate Type: day / sports Ages: 8-14 Dates: June 23-27, July 21-27 Cost: $50 (weekly) • 345 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide Cheer and Dance Camp Type: day / sports

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Dates: June 23-27 Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Stars & Stripes Camp Dates: June 30-July 3 Cost: $200 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Ninja Warrior Camp Type: day / sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: July 7-11 Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Type: day Ages: 5-12 Splash Zone Camp Type: day / sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: July 14-18 Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com

Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Sports Spectacular Type: day / sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 2-6 Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Treasure Island Adventure Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 9-13 Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Art & Imagination Camp Type: day / arts Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 16-20 Cost: $250 (weekly) • 1965 Post Road, Ste. 506, New Braunfels • www.extremetexasgymnastics.com Wild West Roundup

Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 16-20, July 14-18 Cost: $50 (5-7 years old), $85 (8-11 years old) (weekly) • 345 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide Futsal Camp Type: day / sports Ages: 5-14 Dates: May 26-29, Aug. 4-7 Cost: $240 (weekly) • 345 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide Basketball Complete Skills Camp Type: day / sports Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 2-6, June 30-July 3 Cost: $85 (weekly) • 345 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide

Extreme Texas Gymnastics Kickoff to Summer

Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 26-30

Type: day Ages: 5-12

CONTINUED ON 18

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Community

Moana Dance Camp Type: day / dance Ages: 4-10 Dates: June 16-20 Cost: $225 (members), $250 (nonmembers) (weekly) • 1437 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.jandrgymnastics.com

Dates: June 2-6, June 7-11 Cost: $50 per camp (weekly) • 415 Oak Run Point, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide

CONTINUED FROM 17

The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch Type: day / sports Ages: 8-18 Dates: May 25-Aug. 16 Cost: $1,075 per week, $975 (Aug. 10-16), $495 (commuter rate) (weekly) • 325 Mission Valley Road, New Braunfels • www.newktennis.com/tennis-camps/junior-camps Junior Academy & Golf Camps Beginner Type: day / sports Ages: 7+

Little Land New Braunfels Type: day Ages: 2-8

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Westpointe Type: academics / day Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 21 Cost: $255 (weekly) • 2230 Independence Drive, New Braunfels • www.kidsrkids.com/westpointe

Dates: May 26-Aug. 8 Cost: $80+ (weekly) • 2009 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 103, New Braunfels • www.littlelandplaygym.com/location/newbraunfels Outdoor Explorers Camp Type: day Ages: 9-12 Dates: July 28-Aug. 1 Cost: $70 (weekly) • 164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide School of Rock Camps Type: day / music Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 9-Aug. 15 Cost: $385-$505 (weekly) • 940 W. San Antonio St., Ste. C, New Braunfels

Dates: June 2-Aug. 7 Cost: $128 (weekly) • 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels • www.banditgolfclub.com Advanced Type: day / sports Ages: 10+ Dates: June 2-Aug. 7 Cost: $128 (weekly) • 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels • www.banditgolfclub.com

Kinder Tanzer Type: day (German dance camp) Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 5-16

Cost: $150, discount for additional children • 1370 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels • Facebook: Kinder Tanzer of New Braunfels Little Athletes Outdoor Sports Camp Type: sports Ages: 3-5

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Cost: $70 • 4178 Old Hwy. 81, New Braunfels • https://unitedvba.org/training/club-camps-clinics Ultimate Sports Camp Type: sports Ages: 6-8 and 9-12 Dates: June 16-20, July 14-18 Cost: $60 (weekly) • 415 Oak Run Point, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3403/the-fun-things-in-life- program-guide

Sylver Spoon Dinner Theatre Type: theatre Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 2-7, June 16-21 Cost: $299 (weekly) • 6700 I-35, New Braunfels • www.sylverspoon.com United Volleyball Association JH Tryout Ready Camp

• www.schoolofrock.com/locations/newbraunfels/ music-camps

Slumber Falls Camp Type: overnight / day Ages: grades 1-12 Dates: June 8-July 23 Cost: $325-$650 (varies based on duration of camp) (weekly) • 3610 River Road, New Braunfels • www.slumberfalls.org Snapology Type: academics Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 3-Aug. 2 Cost: $169 (half day), $299 (full day) (weekly) • Locations vary by camp • www.snapology.com/texas-new-braunfels/camps

Type: day / sports Ages: grades 7-8 Dates: Aug. 4-6 Cost: $225 • 4178 Old Hwy. 81, New Braunfels • https://unitedvba.org/training/club-camps-clinics June Skills and Drills Type: day / sports Ages: grades 3-8 Dates: June 2, 4, 9, 11 Cost: $100 • 4178 Old Hwy. 81, New Braunfels • https://unitedvba.org/training/club-camps-clinics June Overhand Serve Series

Valhallan Esports: Fortnite Camp Type: video game Ages: 7-17 Dates: March 17-21 Cost: $347 (weekly) • 1705 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.valhallan.com Youth Drama Camp Type: day / art / dance Ages: 5-13 Dates: June 2-27 Cost: $140 (weekly) • 172 W. Coll St., New Braunfels • www.collstreetplayers.com/education

Summer Nature Camp Type: day Ages: 8-11

Dates: June 2-6; 9-13 Cost: $100 (weekly) • 333 E. Klingemann St., New Braunfels • www.headwatersatthecomal.com/programs/

Type: day / sports Ages: grades 3-8 Dates: June 2, 4, 9, 11

This list is not comprehensive.

Calling all

young historians and creative minds. New Braunfels history museum, The Sophienburg Museum & Archives, is hosting 2, 3-day printing and history adventure camps for all incoming 5th - 8th graders. Discover the magic of paper making, unique printing techniques, writing with quill pens and book making.

�une 10-12 �uly 8-10

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

SUMMER CAMPS

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY THALIA GUZMAN

McKenna Children’s Museum ignites imagination, learning The McKenna Children’s Museum—established by the McKenna Foundation—has played a key role in nourishing young minds and encouraging imagination through creativity, science and history since 2006. Digging deeper The McKenna Foundation is responsible for operating the events center and children’s museum. The museum is self-sustaining with admissions, museum memberships and sales from its gift shop. The foundation also provides oversight and support for any additional needs. The children’s museum oers multiple immersive exhibits for children up to eight years old, Operations Ocer Isabel Martinez said. “We try our best to be a screen-free place, so it’s a lot of pretending, exploring and using your imagination,” Martinez said. The museum’s newest exhibit, which was added to the museum’s outdoor area in June 2024, is an outdoor water table featuring New Braunfels landmarks like the water tower in Gruene. Other exhibits include the Hill Country Camp- ground, Destination Space, the Town Square and the Kids Clinic. The ying saucer and space module in the Destination Space exhibit teaches children about science and space travel. Children can also pretend to shop at the Grocery Store exhibit. “We are always ready to inspire kids and help the parents engage with their little ones,” she said.

The Kids Clinic oers a nursery, operating room and a ambulance.

PHOTOS BY THALIA GUZMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels www.mckennakids.org

Destination Space teaches children about science and space travel, and features a space module.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Community

$50M expansion in the works for T Bar M Camps & Retreats

With the expansion, the children’s camp will be adding 20 acres to its 60-acre property. T Bar M Camps & Retreats broke ground on Phase 1 of the project in November 2024. The four phase expansion includes a new dining hall and welcome center. The first two phases are slated to be completed in Q1 of 2027 and are being constructed concurrently to allow phases three and four to be operable. Cole Adams, senior director of development, said they had outgrown their current dining facility. The new dining hall will double their dining capacity for their overnight base camp and allow campers to eat all at one time as opposed to shifts. Phase 1 plans also include a recirculating creek and pond. A 6,450 square-foot teen center and two 18,150-square-foot cabins for families will be built in Phase 2. Each family cabin will have 16 rooms.

T Bar M Camp's & Retreat Expansion Phase 1 Roads and parking lots

Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Existing buildings

Teen center

Welcome center

Sanctuary

Dining hall

Maintenance barn

SOURCE: T BAR M CAMPS & RETREATS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Funding the project

Why now?

The nonprofit organization is funding its multimillion-dollar expansion with its capital campaign—Forward Campaign. About $20.8M out of $28.5M funds have been raised for phases 1 and 2. Adams said they came up with the name after reflecting on how they wanted to describe the growth they are experiencing. “We feel like the Lord is moving us forward and we’re asking people to join us in that and we’re looking for partners that will help us move forward in the vision,” he said.

we do with our existing family camp and we’re seeing demand for that skyrocket,” MacDonald said. Each summer, the nonprofit has 5 weeks of family camps with 20 families during each of those weeks. “With the expansion we are [going to] double that to 44 families…and be able to do that for all 10 weeks of the summer,” MacDonald said.

T Bar M Camps & Retreats has seen a high demand for family camps, President John MacDonald said. “We’re seeing a lot of families—particularly in the technology age—really struggling to stay connected and so this desire for an opportunity to disconnect with everything that’s getting their attention and reconnect with each other— reconnect with their faith—is a big part of what

Number of family camps T Bar M Camps & Retreats has seen a high demand for

+50.12%

0 200 100 400 600 600 500

family camps, President John MacDonald said.

Campaign progress The Forward Campaign will help fund the property’s expansion. Phase 1 and 2 campaign progress

2018

2021

2019

2020

2022

2023 2024

$28.5M

$20.8M

Protect Your Plants and Your Power PEC’s planting guide helps ensure safe, reliable electric service.

60’ from pole

40’ from pole

25’ from pole

Pad-Mounted Transformers

Small trees

Medium trees

Large trees

10’ from opening and 5’ from all other sides

Less than 25’ mature height

25-40’ mature height

Taller than 40’ mature height

When making plans for your plants, it’s easy to overlook the impact they could have on your electric service. PEC’s handy guide is here to help! Never plant directly below power lines. If you have underground service, be sure to leave 10 feet of clearance in the front and 5 feet around the sides of pad-mounted transformers. For more important planting tips, visit myPEC.com/plants .

Pedernales Electric Cooperative

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Preserving the past From the cover

Downtown Historic District

Why it matters

Mill Street District

Stock District

Keva Hoffmann Boardman, a fifth-generation New Braunfels resident and programs coordinator for the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, can share the history of each building along the city’s streets. Cowboys & Cadillacs, a rooftop bar, opened in February at 125 N. Castell Ave. The building below it once housed a pharmacy and various shops, Hoffmann Boardman said. The Phoenix Saloon, at 193 W. San Antonio St., opened in 2010 in a building built in 1871 and was first used as a saloon under the same name. It was allegedly the first bar in Texas to allow women to drink, the site of chili powder’s creation, and home to an alligator pit and badger fights. It closed during Prohibition and was used for other businesses before reopening as a bar. In the 1800s, the Zum Schwarzen Walfisch opened in a wood building. The saloon moved and was replaced by the local newspaper. In 2007, new owners opened the Black Whale Saloon—the English translation of the original name—on the same site, although the building had changed, according to the new establishment. Many downtown historic district landmarks remain in active use as businesses. However, not every building has been saved. “We’ve demolished a lot, especially on this courthouse corner. We killed it,” Hoffmann Boardman said. For many locals, preserving historic downtown structures depends on making business viable in the space. “There has to be a balance because you have to do stuff that is cost-effective, or it is not going to happen. That’s when people just allow buildings to deteriorate,” said Lark Mason III, a member of Preserving New Braunfels.

ACADEMY AVE.

Sophienburg District

Nationally recognized historical buildings Historically designated by the city Downtown historic district boundary

Notable sites

1 McAdoo’s Seafood Company • 196 N. Castell Ave. • Opened: 1915 as a post office 2 Naegelin’s German Bakery • 129 S. Seguin Ave. • Opened: 1868 in a different location; moved to this location in 1870

W. CROSS ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE N

3 Faust Hotel • 240 S. Seguin Ave. • Opened: 1929 under a different name; reopened after some remodeling in 2025

4 Henne Hardware • 246 W. San Antonio St. • Opened: 1893; hardware store operated until 2024

AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

3/14 Cody Bolden Band 3/21 The Homebodies 3/26 Ryan Quiet

For more events or to rent an onsite cottage visit: www.rileystavern.com 8894 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78132

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & DARCY SPRAGUE

Historic permitting steps

The challenges

What business owners are saying

City process for Certificates of Appropriateness, needed to modify historic buildings:

The city has four historic districts, where all buildings within are subject to extra regulations, New Braunfels Historic Preservation Officer Katy Totman said. Other buildings can be designated as historic by the city, state or nationally, and each designation comes with different requirements. Some buildings might have no designation, despite being as old or well preserved as those that do. TJ Grossi, executive director at Schumann Con- sulting, said the key to navigating the challenges is having a lot of experience with the different processes. Schumann Consulting is currently working on the Faust Hotel remodel and has shepherded several projects throughout the city through the process. Nathan Feingold, owner of NB Remodeling and vice chair for the New Braunfels Historic Commis- sion, said obtaining historically appropriate mate- rials can be costly and time-consuming. He also

Sisters Lilliana Brabham and Laura Hick- man own the bookstore and coffee shop Chapter & Co. on W. San Antonio Street. Stairs reading “First National Bank” from the late 1800s lead into the building. “This building has a soul,” Brabham said. The front section of the building had been mostly restored when the pair took it over. They said the permitting process was smooth, and they’ve had few issues with the building’s age. The back of the building is unfinished, and the pair are committed to maintaining as many historic elements, including using original windows and light fixtures and converting some of the original beams into shelves or countertops. “People just want to know where they come from,” Brabham said. “And even if you don’t come from here ... this is a piece of history.” A trio of New Braunfels residents are converting The Voigt House into Kenne- dy’s Tavern. The home features an 1840s brick house inside a 1870s home. While it is located outside of the city’s historic districts and comes with few restrictions for remodeling, the team is committed to keeping it as close to the original as possible, owner Kyle Kennedy said. “If we just let people knock things down, our downtown would look like anywhere,” Kennedy said. As a lifelong New Braunfels resident, he said it is important to keep it locally owned and have as much local participation as possible.

Apply for a Certificate of Alteration (required for any exterior work)

Undergo Historic Landmark Commission review or undergo administrative review if eligible

Either after issuance of the certificate of alteration, or concurrently with the above process, apply for a standard building permit

Standard development review occurs

Final permit issuance

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

said the permitting process presents challenges. “As far as I’m concerned, [the permitting process is] a jumbled mess,” Feingold said.

Local involvement

Associates—is working with his colleagues to develop a website that will address the challenges and importance of managed growth. Lark Mason and his son, Lark Mason III, are members of Pre- serving New Braunfels, a new initiative to save and protect historic structures in the city “It’s an overwhelmingly difficult thing to do for a private person to engage in any kind of historic preservation effort,” said Lark Mason.

Historic preservation groups, such as the New Braunfels Historic Landmark Commission, the New Braunfels Conservation Society and the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, play a role in restoration efforts. “It creates the fingerprint and an aesthetic for the area that people fall in love with,” said Jennifer Singleterry, executive director for the Sophienburg Museum. Lark Mason—president and CEO of Lark Mason

What’s next

Cultural events

Braunfels Historic Landmark Commission also holds public information meetings. Even those not opening a business can get involved in New Braunfels culture and history by attending or volunteering at cultural events. “Buildings are just empty structures. ... Without the people, without [cultural] events, they’re just husks,” said Lark Mason III, who organizes the New Braunfels Renaissance Faire.

The city is working to simplify the process and align guidelines with neighboring cities, said Christopher Looney, director of planning and development services. It also offers financial incentives, including a 20% property tax reduction for downtown historic district properties and waives some permitting fees. Business owners can contact the city’s historic preservation office for renovation guidance and assistance with the permitting process. The New

Folk Fest: April 12 Historical Homes Tour: April 19 New Braunfels Barn Sale: May 25 Wurstfest: Nov. 7-16 New Braunfels Renaissance Faire: Dec. 5-7 & Dec. 12-14 NBCS Christmas Market: Dec. 11

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS CONSERVATION SOCIETY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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