Agenda

Return

City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

12/19/2023

BACKGROUND

The city purchased 10.5 acres at FM 482 and Bunker Street from The Great Springs Project for a future trailhead for the Dry Comal Creek Trail. The city applied for and was awarded a $300,000 grant from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to develop the trailhead and trail loop within the park. The new park needs a formal name and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board discussed this at their meeting on September 25, 2023. The board recommended the name "Dry Comal Creek Nature Park" because of the ecological and historical significance of the creek that runs through the property. The "nature park" designation was also chosen (similar to what we have at Crescent Bend Nature Park) to denote that the majority of the park will remain natural open space and the focus will be on passive recreational activities versus active recreation (i.e. no sports fields.)

GOAL

Officially name the 10.5-acre park property at FM 482 and Bunker Street as Dry Comal Creek Nature Park.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

The property will be a future trailhead to the City of Schertz' Dry Comal Creek Trail and the regional Great Springs Trail. There is a possibility of a future trail connection to the Great Northern Trail along Schwab Road, either on-street, or off-street through an adjacent drainage corridor. The property is unique as well because of its location in the historic Comal Settlement area and its location on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. Immediately adjacent to the property is a state designated historic cemetery and across the street is the historic St. Joseph's Chapel, both of which are also designated as a Schertz Historic Site by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. Also, across the street is the historic Comal Blacksmith & Mechanical Shop and the additional historic General Store building. The park property will not only serve as a trailhead for a regional trail system, but will include interpretive signage regarding the history of the area, and potentially serve as a catalyst for development of the area into a cultural hertiage and nature tourism destination. The loop trail within the 10.5-acre park property will also provide a natural experience similar to what we have in southern Schertz at Crescent Bend Nature Park.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Approve Resolution 23-R-133 to approve a recommendation to name the 10.5-acre park property at FM 482 and Bunker Street as Dry Comal Creek Nature Park.

RECOMMENDATION

Approve Resolution 23-R-133 to approve a recommendation to name the 10.5-acre park property at FM 482 and Bunker Street as Dry Comal Creek Nature Park.

Attachments
Resolution 23-R-133 Dry Comal Creek Nature Park Naming