Waterworks Terrace Park
Waterworks Terrace Park is a project proposed by the City of Boerne to upgrade and revitalize an underutilized open area, just west of town square (at W. Blanco Rd and W. San Antonio Ave). The name is derived from the historic waterworks building on site which still houses one of the city’s main water wells as well as the terraces which create an upper hardscaped level and a lower green space. This space is an integral part of Boerne’s recreational history as the lower terrace was home to Boerne’s first city pool in the early 1900’s until it was filled in in the middle of the century. The area was partially restored in 2012, but has since been underutilized by the community. This current Waterworks Terrace Park project seeks to add features that will enhance the usability of the space while honoring and preserving the history and the natural ambience of this central downtown location.
The vision of the park will be an extension of the popular town square area, with features that will be a draw for all ages. The upper terrace will be redone, expanded, and connected with the square as part of a separate street/parking project by the city. A new pedestrian crosswalk area on W. Blanco will allow the Waterworks Terrace Park to be more connected to the square and also create a safer area for pedestrians. This upper terrace area will be hardscaped and include multiple covered seating areas for those enjoying the park. In addition, a series of low, interactive water features will be added to help cool off on the hot summer days. The lower terrace will include multiple areas including: additional interactive water features such as a man-made stream bed, newly planted large canopied trees for shade, an open green space for gathering and multi-use enjoyment, and benches and seating areas for all guests.
The Boerne Parks Association is aiding the city in both design and fundraising for this project. We want to ensure that the space is enjoyable and usable for all ages, but also fits within the aesthetic of downtown. We believe the park should blend in with the natural surroundings but have an inviting and interactive atmosphere. To donate to this particular project, go here.
Features
Interactive Water Features
Multi-Tiered Seating Areas
Large Shade Trees
Open Lawn Space
Enhanced Plaza
Streetscape Renovation (City)
Parking Reconfiguration (City)
FAQ’s about this project
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Are the water elements a "splash pad"?
No. The Boerne Parks Association does not support a “theme park style” splash pad or any other large, unsightly water elements that would not fit with the downtown aesthetic. The interactive water features that will be included are low profile but still enjoyable enough for children (and children at heart) to cool off in the summer. These features will be more in-line with other highly successful urban park areas such as: The Pearl District in San Antonio & Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. A more traditional splash pad with larger water elements (dump buckets, etc.) is being discussed as a potential project in another part of the city.
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Won't this project waste a lot of water?
No. The water elements will be part of a closed and hygienic recirculating system so very little water will be used/wasted. Further, the various features will be fully controllable, meaning they can be turned off during certain hours or times of the year, as needed.
We are also exploring additional water saving features such as:
seasonal/drought OFF times
push button/timer settings for active play
low flow nozzles
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Will the parking spots directly in front of the current location be affected?
Yes, however, the city is undertaking an additional street/parking project on the roads around the square which will allow for increased parking and traffic flow in the area.
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Will Cibolo Creek or the walking trails be affected?
No. The walking trails and entrances to the trails will remain the same and there will be no effect on Cibolo Creek.
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How will this park be funded?
The current plan is that the development/construction of the park will be funded by private fundraising efforts and will not be paid for using city funds or taxpayer money. The Park is on city property and as such the city must be involved with the development. The city will also take care of ongoing maintenance of the park in the future, which fits within the current parks department budget. The Boerne Parks Association will be working with the city to ensure the project is completed efficiently while maintaining a high quality of work.