Spring/Summer 2022 FUN Guide

PARKS, RECREATION, AND LIBRARY PROGRAMS

SPRING / SUMMER 2022

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT STAFF

Administration

10 Commercial Place, Bldg #1 Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 619-1850

Director

Lauren Shrum lshrum@schertz.com

Parks Manager

Jared Montney jmontney@schertz.com

Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor

Robert Dobratz rdobratz@schertz.com

Events Specialist

Michelle Yang myang@schertz.com

Administrative Assistant Analyse Miranda amiranda1@schertz.com

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board exists to advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning policy matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the City’s parks and recreation programs. The Board meets bi-monthly on the fourth Monday of the month at City Hall in the Bob Andrews Conference Room, located at 1400 Schertz Parkway.

Chair

Johnie McDow

Vice Chair

William Bosch

Members

Reginna Agee

Sally Macias

Floy Simmons

Robert Sheridan III

Carol Yauger

James Garvin

Shawn Moore

Jamie Acevedo (Alternate Member)

Brad Snow (Alternate Member)

The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department may videotape or take photographs of participants enrolled in recreation activities, programs, and special events. These photos and/or videotapes may be used for promotional purposes.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

We have a lot of exciting things planned for spring and summer of 2022! Movin’ on Main kicks off on Sunday, April 3 from 12 – 4 p.m. It’s an open streets event and we’ll have fitness demonstrations, health & wellness vendors, DJ music, kids’ activities, and food trucks. Bring your bikes, scooters, strollers, and get movin! Our popular Adult Social League is back with kickball starting up this month. Sign up online at Schertz.com and we’ll place you on a team.

We’ve got some exciting park development projects happening this spring that should be completed in time to enjoy this summer. We’re adding a playscape feature and a picnic pavilion available for birthday party reservations at Ashley Park. We’re also converting the small pool at Wendy Swan Memorial Park into a small splash pad feature! Both projects are expected to be completed in June.

The first section of the Great Northern Trail is substantially complete, and contractors are working on punch list items. We look forward to hosting a grand opening event soon as we continue to work on adding trail sections in the city.

Finally, July is National Park & Recreation Month, and we’ll be celebrating by hosting two Float & Flicks at Pickrell Pool and every Thursday night in July, we’ll have a fun event in the park, such as Pup-sicles in the Park, Tactical Laser Tag, Pickleball Play, and a Glow Party in the Park. Be sure to follow Schertz Parks and Recreation on social media for more details about our month-long celebration!

We hope you have FUN exploring everything your Schertz Parks & Recreation Department has to offer!

Lauren Shrum, Director of Parks & Recreation

WE ARE HIRING

We are hiring Seasonal Park Workers! If you are ready to work hard and play harder, apply to join our team at Schertz.com/Jobs.

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES 2022

Programs are FREE to attend on the second Saturday of the month between 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. with a staggered start time. Pre-registration is required, register at schertz.com. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

Saturday, April 9

Saturday, May 14

What's Buzzing & Blooming Functions of flowers, bees and butterflies

Saturday, June 11 Discover The Forest

Every living thing has a role in the forest

Saturday, July 9 Discover Clues and Traces

Find what animals leave behind

Saturday, September 10 Discover Horns and Thorns

Staying alive is tough

Saturday, October 8 Discover Dinosaur Tracks Tracks tell tale

Saturday, November 12 Discover Early Texans

When kids knew how to live off the land

- 11:00 a.m.

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

GUADALUPE COUNTY MASTER NATURALISTS

The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. The Guadalupe chapter serves the Guadalupe County area, including numerous projects in Seguin as well as Schertz. The group sponsors the Nature Discovery Series held at Crescent Bend Nature Park and has plans to help with invasive species removal and citizen science projects like bird counts and water quality monitoring of Cibolo Creek. If you’re interested in joining the Master Naturalists and their work at Crescent Bend Nature Park, see their website at txmn.org/guadalupe.

CRESCENT BEND NATURE PARK – SCOUT CAMPGROUND RENTAL

Are you and your scout troop looking for a camp site to host your next adventure? A great local campground is at our very own Crescent Bend Nature Park. This area includes a fire pit, 4 picnic tables and mulch tent pads for camping that can host up to 40 campers. To learn more information and reserve your next scout sleepover, please visit Schertz.com/parksandrec or call the Parks Department at (210) 619-1850.

APRIL 29

–

The City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. There is nature all around us, even in our cities! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are, helps us study and protect them, but the ONLY way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community – working together to find and document the nature in our area. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make your city a better place – for you and other species!

Create your own iNaturalist account

• Visit iNatrualist.org

• Download the app from the AppStore or Google Play

• Sign In

• Start sharing your observations

• Get feedback from actual scientists, experts, and other naturalists.

DARK SKIES & FIREFLIES

May 21, 7 p.m. at Crescent Bend Nature Park

Local Firefly Expert and founder of Firefly Conservation & Research, Ben Pfeiffer, is partnering with Schertz Parks and Recreation to provide a great fun and educational program for all ages. This program will offer firefly education, and a chance to explore and how to carefully catch local fireflies. So don’t forget to bring a chair and a butterfly net.

ED-ZOO-CATION

April 23, July 16, September 17, 10:00 a.m. San Antonio Zoo Center for Conservation and Research has selected Crescent Bend Nature Park as a harvesting location to help feed their Texas Horned Lizards. Learn about snake identification, conservation of the Amazonian rainforest and a fun Bio Blitz. If this program is not already cool enough, there is also an opportunity for appearances of live animals/lizards from the zoo! Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

STAR PARTY

Spring – March 26

Fall – November 26

Come out for a chance to view the stars and the planets! Star parties are hosted at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Bring a chair and dress accordingly to the weather!

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

The Park and Recreation Department partners with Eagle Scout candidates on many different projects. These projects not only help better our local community but also teach our scouts about project management, leadership, community service and other useful development skills. In years past, the scouts have created sanitation stations, built fences and created Project Flag Line for Schertz Parkway in preparation for the annual Fourth of July Jubilee. For further information, please email parksandrec@schertz. com or call the Parks Department at (210) 619-1850.

VOLUNTEER SCHERTZ

Volunteering time and talents is a great way to give to the community, build self-esteem, share your skills, and make a positive impact in others’ lives. A variety of opportunities are available in the local area. The City of Schertz values each volunteer as an essential resource for the enhancement of our events and programs.

Upcoming Event Volunteer Opportunities

• Movin’ on Main

• Project Flag Line

• 4th of July Jubilee

DOES YOUR GROUP/ ORGANIZATION HAVE A NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Complete the volunteer request form and information on your organization’s volunteer opportunities. Whether you are a non-profit recruiting large numbers of volunteers or an individual looking for a few extra hands or help out with your community project, it’s free to place your information on our Volunteer Schertz list! Scan

MOVIN ON MAIN

April 3, 12 - 4 p.m. @ Main Street

In partnership with the Schertz Family Y, Movin on Main invites you to gather your friends and family to enjoy a variety of fun with healthy activities along the enclosed Main Street route, to include fitness class demonstrations and various local health and wellness vendors offering giveaways and educational materials. Several food and refreshment stations will be available to fuel your appetite and energize you for a day of highenergy excitement.

4TH OF JULY JUBILEE

Join the City of Schertz for the 45th Annual 4th of July Jubilee Celebration. The day begins at 9:15 a.m. with the ‘Let Freedom Run’ 5K followed by a downtown parade. Head out to Pickrell Park at 6 p.m. for an evening of live music, Family Zone activities, kids’ carnival, festival food, and Fireworks! Schertz is proud to host one of South Texas’ largest tributes to freedom and independence.

FLOAT & FIREWORKS

July 4, 6 - 10 p.m. @ Pickrell Park Pool; $3 per person with advance purchase only

Don’t wait too long to reserve your place for the coolest seat in the house during the 4th of July Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular! Participants will enjoy the show from the cool waters of the pool while lounging on patriotic pool noodles. Limited capacity applies for the event. Tickets go on sale on June 1 online at Schertz.com.

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY

August 3, 5 - 7 p.m. @ Pickrell Park Pool

What’s better than watermelon in the summer?! Floating watermelons in the pool! Celebrate with us by participating in watermelon-themed contests, games, and activities. Regular pool admission applies.

AQUATICS

OUTDOOR POOLS

PICKRELL PARK POOL

Contact Info

701 Oak St., Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 419-9439

Hours of Operation

Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays for maintenance) 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Open May 28– August 7

WENDY SWAN MEMORIAL PARK SPLASHPAD

Contact Info

4601 Cherry Tree Dr., Schertz, TX 78108

ADMISSION PRICES

• Child 2 and under: FREE

• Per Person: $2.00

• All Day Entry (in and out permitted): $3.00

SWIM LESSONS

FLOAT & FLICKS

• July 16 – Luca

• July 23 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

SCHERTZ AQUATICS CENTER

Contact Info

560 Schertz Parkway

Schertz, TX 78154

(210) 619-1900

ymcasatx.org/schertz

Hours of Operation

Reservations are required for Water Aerobics classes along with other group exercise classes. Go to ymcasatx.org/Schertz to reserve your time slot. Hours are subject to change.

Lap Pool

Monday - Thursday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.

Leisure Pool

Monday & Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday: 8 – 11 a.m. & 3 – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.

Admission Prices, Passes

• $6 per resident

• $10 per non-resident

• $15 per resident family

• $20 per non-resident family

• Or by YMCA membership

SWIM LESSONS

AQUATIC SUPERVISION & SWIM TEST POLICY

A Family Who Swims Together, Stays Together

Adult supervision of children is important as it allows our lifeguards and aquatic safety staff to focus on the water and keeping everyone safe. All youth ages 16 and under must complete a new swim test each visit prior to entering the water. Each youth will receive a wristband that will allow him or her access to certain areas of the pool.

• Children 6 & under must be within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian at all times

• Children 7-16 are required to take a swim test once a year

• Children 13 & up are allowed access to the pools without a guardian

• Any children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older

SENIOR CENTER

Contact Info

608 Schertz Parkway Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 619-1970 schertz.com

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bingo

Bingo is hosted every Monday and Wednesday, as well as the first Friday of each month, at 12:30 p.m.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers needed for the Front Desk Committee, Kitchen Committee, and/or Decorating Committee

Craft Shows

Next Date: Oct. 15-16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days

Membership

The Senior Center is open to new guests and members over the age of 50. Memberships dues are $36.00 per year and include many activities.

GARDENING CLUB

CULTURE COMMITTEE

CRAFT SHOWS BINGO

The Schertz Area Senior Center is owned by the City of Schertz and managed through a public facility license agreement with the Schertz Family YMCA.

SCHERTZ RECREATION CENTER

Contact Info

621 Westchester Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 619-1900

ymcasatx.org/schertz

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m.

Child Watch Hours

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Kidz Club Hours

Monday – Friday: 4 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Amenities

Membership to the Schertz Family YMCA includes access to all branches in the San Antonio Association as well as Nationwide. Our Schertz facility includes: the Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, Rock Wall, and the Splash Pad plus ALL of the following activities & amenities:

• 6,000 sq. ft. Basketball Gym

• 8,000 sq. ft. Cardio & Fitness Area

• Child Watch

• Competition Quality Pool

• Leisure Pool

• Kid Fit

• Group Exercise Classes

• Lockers & Showers

• Movies in Motion

• 24 ft. Rock Wall

• 1,000 sq. ft. Splash Pad

• Water Rowing Machines

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT – TIME TO UNWIND

April 9 (Parent’s NIGHT Out)

May 7 (Parent’s DAY Out)

June 18 (Parent’s NIGHT Out)

Bring your kiddos ages 6 weeks – 12 years for a night of fun at the Y. During this time, kids will play games, eat dinner, and watch a movie with friends. Space is limited and registration closes the Thursday before the event date. Members: $20 first child, $15 each additional child Non-members: $25 first child, $20 each additional.

Membership Rates

Schertz Resident Enjoy a $0 Join Fee

*Financial Assistance is available by contacting the YMCA about the Open Doors Scholarship program.

The Schertz Recreation Center is owned by the City of Schertz and managed through a public facility license agreement with the Schertz Family YMCA.

NATIONAL PARK & RECREATION MONTH

Celebrate National Park & Recreation Month with Schertz staff during July. Get ready for an activity-packed month with two Float & Flicks at Pickrell Pool and a special activity every Thursday night in July! Be sure to follow Schertz Parks and Recreation on social media for more details about our month-long celebration!

JULY 7

PUP-SICLES IN THE PARK

JULY 14

TACTICAL LASER TAG

JULY 21

PICKLEBALL PLAY

JULY 28

GLOW IN THE PARK

RECREATION PROGRAMS

ADULT KICKBALL LEAGUE

Gather up a team and meet us at the field because we’re bringing back those childhood recess memories this fall with our Adult Kickball League! No experience is necessary.

Season: Every Sunday from April 24 – June 5 from 6 – 10 p.m. @ Thulemeyer Park, 901 Oak Street, Schertz, TX 78154.

Late registration: $35 per individual; ages 21 and up; individuals can be placed on a team or with a teammate using the online registration system. Late Registration ends on April 4.

PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

Pickleball free open play will be hosted on select Sundays from April 24 – June 5 in Pickrell Park from 3 –5 p.m. Follow our Facebook page at Schertz Parks and Recreation for open play announcements.

REGISTER FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS

SCHERTZ YOUTH SOCCER ALLIANCE (SYSA)

Contact Info schertzsoccercomplex.org scheduler@schertzsoccercomplex.org

GRAYSA (GREATER RANDOLPH AREA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION)

graysasoccer.org

Spring (Sep - Dec) and Fall (Mar - May)

• Age Group 3-18 years of age

ARSENAL FC

arsenalfcsa.org / (210) 497-1100

LIONS FUTBALL CLUB

lionsfc.org

Spring/Fall Soccer 3 – 18 years

• Co-ed U5-U6 Cubs

• Co-ed U7-U10 Academy

• Co-ed U11-U19 Select

YMCA

ymcasatx.org/schertz

• Flag Football (6 – 12 years)

• Soccer (3 – 15 years)

• Baseball (3 – 8 years)

SCHERTZ SOCCER COMPLEX

75 Maske Rd

The Schertz Soccer Complex is a 42acre facility owned by the City of Schertz and managed by a partnership with the Schertz Youth Soccer Alliance (SYSA.) Field rentals are available by contacting SYSA at scheduler@schertzsoccercomplex.org

Amenities:

• 12 Full-sized Soccer Fields

• 2 Lighted Fields

• Concession Building

• Restrooms

BUFFALO VALLEY YOUTH ASSOCIATION (BVYA)

Contact Info bvya.com

(210) 659-1610

bvya@att.net

Spring

• Baseball Co-ed Pre-K – 8th Grade

• Softball Girls Ages 5 - 12 years

Summer

• Swimming 6-18 years

JOHNIE McDOW SPORTS COMPLEX

955 Community Circle

Johnie McDow Sports Complex is 12-acre facility owned by the City of Schertz and managed by a partnership with the Buffalo Valley Youth Association (BVYA.) Field rentals are available by contacting BVYA at (210) 659-1610.

Amenities:

• Seven Youth Baseball & Softball Fields

• Lighting Available

• Covered Dugouts

• Shaded Bleacher Seating

• Pre-set Bases

• Restrooms

• Concession Building

THULEMEYER PARK

901 Oak Street

Thulemeyer Park is a 16-acre facility owned by the City of Schertz and managed by a partnership with the Buffalo Valley Youth Association (BVYA.) Field rentals are available by contacting BVYA at (210) 659-1610. Fields are also available for general public use when not reserved.

Amenities:

• 5 Baseball & Softball Fields

• Lighting Available

• Covered Dugouts

• Bleacher Seating

• Pre-set Bases

• Restrooms

• Concession Building

PARK PAVILION RENTALS

Perfect for your next big celebration! For those interested in reserving a pavilion, please review our reservation information below. To see the calendar of availability and make your reservation please visit our website at Schertz.com to create a CivicREC account. Contact the main Parks & Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850 if you need assistance setting up your account.

Pickrell Park Large Pavilion 703

Pickrell Park Aero Pavilion 102

Pickrell Park Poplar Pavilion 64 Poplar Ave

Pickrell Park Oak Pavilion 102 Oak St

Ashley Park 534 Ashley Park

Wendy Swan Memorial Park Pavilion A 4601 Cherry Tree Dr

Wendy Swan Memorial Park Pavilion B 4601 Cherry Tree Dr

Rhine Valley Park 9958 Mulhouse Dr

Pickrell Park Picnic Area A Pickrell Park Picnic Area B

Pickrell Park Picnic Area C

Pickrell Park Picnic Area D The Park at Woodland Oaks Gazebo 905 Woodland Oaks Fr

Gutierrez Garden Park Gazebo 1231 Borgfeld

Veteran’s Memorial Plaza

ATHLETIC FIELDS

RECREATION FACILITIES

PARKS

Since its beginning in 1958, the City of Schertz has maintained, at the forefront, its desire to focus on the quality of life enjoyed by our residents. Planned parks, natural parks, sports facilities, pavilions and family gathering places, hike and bike trails, safe pedestrians ways, fitness facilities, swimming facilities and social gathering places are all part of a large picture that meets the needs of our community.

PICKRELL PARK

701 Oak Street

This 17-acre park offers something for everyone. The large pavilion is a perfect place to host a gathering, play a pick-up game of basketball, or utilize the painted lines for pickleball. From swimming - to playscapes - to a walking trail - we’ve fit it all inin this busy community park. The park is also home to many city events and festivals throughout the year.

ASHLEY PARK

534 Ashley Park

This 5-acre neighborhood park is a great place for families to play on the playground, practice soccer, or enjoy a pick-up game of basketball. The park has an expression swing, gaga ball pit, and a lighted ADA accessible walking trail.

GUTIERREZ GARDEN PARK

1231 Borgfeld Rd

This 2-acre park features multiple garden areas beautifully maintained by the Guadalupe Master Gardeners volunteer group. The gazebo area is perfect for photo opportunities, and a shaded and lighted walking trail encircles the park.

CUT-OFF PARK

700 Block of FM 1518

This 58-acre park features lots of open space, heritage-sized oak trees, and trailhead access to six miles of Cibolo Creek Primitive Trails.

HERITAGE OAKS PARK

11700 Longleaf Parkway

This 13-acre park is a truly unique site with hundreds of heritagesized oak and cedar elm trees. This park offers a playscape surrounded by a tranquil walking path through the woods, picnic facilities, and a picturesque pond.

CYPRESS POINT

PARK

5526 Cypress Point

This 10-acre neighborhood park features a playscape, walking trail, and lots of open space for families to toss a football around or play a game of Frisbee.

LONE OAK PARK

100 Block of Rountree Dr

This 0.34-acre neighborhood pocket park used to be home to a majestic lone oak right in the center of the park. While the lone oak is gone, the name remains the same, and several other large oaks shade some benches in this small tranquil spot.

FOREST RIDGE PARK

17529 Wiederstein Rd

This 14-acre park features an almost hidden trail through a linear forested area that many walkers and runners utilize. The trail connects to the FM 3009 sidewalks and will have a future connection to the Schertz Parkway Trails. The park also features open space where pop-up soccer practices often take place.

MARY WHITFIELD BURKS PARK

3175 Schertz Parkway

This 2-acre park is just off Schertz Parkway and can only be accessed on foot or by bicycle off of the Schertz Parkway trails. The small pocket park has outdoor fitness equipment and a drinking fountain for runners and walkers to get a short workout in along their regular exercise route.

CRESCENT BEND NATURE PARK

12780 Schaefer Rd

This 180-acre park is a nature lover’s paradise. Miles of trails, blooming wildflowers, picnic facilities and bird blinds are just some of what make this park special. Also head down to the Cibolo Creek for some fishing.

SCHERTZ COMMUNITY PLAYSCAPE

629 Westchester Dr

This 1-acre park is all about play with multiple play structures, swings, merry-go-round, and accessible features. A restroom building makes it a destination park for the community.

OAK FOREST PARK

4200 Block of FM 3009

This 2.5-acre neighborhood pocket park has numerous oak trees that provide a shaded canopy for the walking trail that meanders through the park. The walking trail connects to the FM 3009 sidewalks.

SCHERTZ

PARK

SKATE

820 Community Circle

This 0.30-acre park is Phase I of a planned 3-phase skate park with street features and grinding rails.

PALM PARK

200 Block of FM 78

This small 2-acre pocket park borders Cibolo Creek and is mostly open space. The park is being developed by Eagle Scouts into a Scout Day Use Area with picnic facilities.

THE PARK AT WOODLAND OAKS

905 Woodland Oaks Dr

This 2-acre neighborhood pocket park is a great place for families to enjoy the playscape and a picnic lunch under the shaded picnic facilities or enjoy a game of pick-up basketball.

RHINE VALLEY PARK

9958 Mulhouse Dr

This 5-acre neighborhood park offers a shaded playscape, picnic pavilion, walking trail, sport court and soccer fields. It’s the perfect sport for the family to play a pickup game on the court or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy.

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PLAZA

512 Schertz Parkway

This 0.60-acre park was constructed to honor members of our military. Recent renovations include new stone amphitheater seating, an ADA-accessible walkway, accessible parking, and new landscaping. Engraved pavers are available to purchase at Schertz.com.

SCHERTZ DOG PARK

940 Community Circle

This 0.60-acre park is not only for the dogs but for the owners too. Benches allow the people to socialize while the dogs socialize too. Multiple fountains and small dog areas make the space multifunctional for pet owners.

WENDY SWAN MEMORIAL PARK

4601 Cherry Tree Dr

This 3-acre neighborhood park offers may amenities packed into a small space to include a pavilion, basketball court, and playscape. Splash Pad coming soon!

SCHERTZ PARKS

PARK DEVELOPMENT

The City of Schertz strives to continue developing the areas around the City with more beautiful parks and facilities. With the growth of the City's population, the Parks & Recreation Department has many future projects.

SCHERTZ SOCCER COMPLEX IRRIGATION STORAGE UPGRADES

The current irrigation storage at the Schertz Soccer Complex is inadequate for the needs of the complex. An upgrade to storage capacity and the well pump is in design phase with construction estimated to start in mid-summer. The project includes increased storage capacity above ground level, a new submersible well pump, new well casing, and electrical upgrades.

ASHLEY PARK PHASE 3 IMPROVEMENTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! In 2019, city staff completed Phase I of the renovation project at Ashley Park which included reconstructing the basketball court, replacing playground equipment, a cosmetic update to the restroom facility, and providing an accessible route to the new features. The existing asphalt loop trail was not replaced at that time due to limited funding.

Phase II of the renovation included demolition of the existing failing asphalt trail and reconstruction of a concrete loop trail in its place that is fully ADA accessible, and extends the accessible route to the restroom, the toddler playscape, and to one picnic area. Phase III of the Ashley Park renovation includes an additional playscape feature and a picnic pavilion available for party reservations which is scheduled for construction this spring.

HILLTOP/HOMESTEAD PARK CONCEPTUAL PLAN

City staff is still working on this project and developing funding options for construction. A grant application was submitted in October 2021 and the project was not selected for funding at this time. City staff continues to look for other grant opportunities and will revise our proposal and resubmit the project in the next funding cycle. Early conceptual plans call for a hilltop overlook/ observation platform, a fishing pond with pier, walking trails, mountain-biking trails, nature-based playscape, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and interpretive signage. Construction date still TBD.

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PLAZA LANDSCAPE RENOVATION

COMPLETED! New landscaping beds were added in a symmetrical ring around the plaza and feature various types of roses to give the plaza a more formal look. Limestone blocks and earthen berms were used to create an amphitheatereffect two-tier seating area on both sides of the plaza. An accessible sidewalk was constructed from the back of the plaza to the parking area at the Aquatic Center and an accessible parking spot was created adjacent to two Purple Heart Recipient parking spaces. Pavers are now available to purchase online at schertz.com and are installed twice a year in March and September.

WENDY SWAN MEMORIAL PARK SPLASH PAD

COMING SOON! City council has approved the permanent closure of the small pool at Wendy Swan Memorial Park and its conversion to a small splash pad feature. With a splash pad, a longer operating season is possible and it can be open from March – October versus the traditional summer season (Memorial Day – August). The cost savings from staffing the pool will be used to pay back the reserves for the construction of the splash pad and the existing pool filtration systems is being utilized for the splash pad, resulting in further savings. Construction is estimated to start in late April and the project will take about 6-8 weeks. Stay tuned for information on the Grand Opening Celebration later this summer!

TRAIL DEVELOPMENT

City staff is working on expanding the trail network in Schertz and with that comes the development of a trail branding program. The Schertz Trails logo, trail mile-marker signage, and trail maps will all be developed as we add more trail networks to the system. Long-range plans include the Cibolo Creek Trail, Dry Comal Creek Trail, and the Woman Hollering Creek Trail. Stay tuned to Schertz.com for more information on these exciting projects.

SCHERTZ PEDESTRIAN ROUTES & BIKE LANES PROJECT, CITY-WIDE

SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE! This project added sidewalks along both sides of Live Oak Road from Schertz Parkway to FM 3009. The project also included bike lanes and proper signage along both sides of Savannah Drive and Woodland Oaks Drive for the many school children who bike to Paschal Elementary and Wilder Intermediate. The last part of the project included a decomposed granite trail from Schertz Parkway to Wiederstein Road (which is the 1st section of The Great Northern Trail) and pedestrian crossing improvements at Wiederstein Road to connect to Forest Ridge Park. The contractor is working on punch list items now and the pedestrian crossing system is not yet activated.

THE GREAT NORTHERN TRAILFIRST SECTION

COMPLETED! Grand Opening Celebration coming soon!

THE GREAT NORTHERN TRAILSECOND SECTION AT FM 1103

City staff has secured a trail easement from Cibolo Valley Baptist Church to construct an approximately 0.2 mile section of trail. Construction is set to begin this spring with the work only taking a few weeks. This section will eventually connect to the FM 1103 pedestrian improvements that TxDOT is planning along with the roadway improvements. TxDOT is planning to start construction on FM 1103 this summer.

THE GRE AT NORTHERN TR AIL

THE GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT

City staff is very excited to be working with the staff at The Great Springs Project to help further their mission of a regional trail system connecting four of Texas’ Great Springs: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. The goal is to create a green corridor and trail network from the Alamo to the Capitol. Schertz’ trail plans for The Great Northern Trail, the Dry Comal Creek Trail, and the Cibolo Creek Trail are important connecting pieces in this greater regional trail network. City staff recently hosted a Trail Connect meeting where a group of staff from the cities of Schertz, Cibolo, Selma, Universal City, Garden Ridge, and New Braunfels shared trail plans and discussed future connections between the cities. Stay tuned for more good trail news to come!

FROM THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR

This FUN Guide should be reaching you at the beginning of April, just in time for National Library Week, April 3-9. First sponsored by the American Library Association in 1958, National Library Week is a time set aside to celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions to their communities, and promote library use and support. This year’s theme, “Connect with Your Library” encourages you to connect to technology, media, programs, classes, and all the other various resources we offer in addition to books. The theme is also a call to action—an invitation for community members to join, visit, or advocate for their local libraries. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that libraries connect people—to ideas, to each other’s stories, and the world at large.

Melissa Uhlhorn, Library Director

Spring and Summer are busy times at the library

Stop in to get a library card, join our oceanography-themed summer reading program, purchase books at our upcoming book sale, or just pop in for a few moments of browsing the shelves. There’s always something interesting going on. Visit schertzlibrary.org for more information on the many resources available to you with your library card and for an online calendar of events. Have questions? You can contact the library at (210) 619-1700 or at librarian@schertz.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!

DISCOVERY GARDEN

The Library’s new Discovery Garden, located in the courtyard, is a joint project between Parks & Recreation and the Library. It was planted with the help of the community last December. In April, our Discovery Garden will transition from a sensory garden (plants with interesting textures and smells) to a salsa garden! We invite you to watch the tomatoes, peppers, onions and herbs grow throughout the summer and harvest the ingredients needed for your own homemade salsa.

NICHE ACADEMY

Stumped on how to use Google Docs? Forgotten how to check-out an e-book? NicheAcademy can help you out! NicheAcademy is a tutorial service located on our webpage that includes how-to videos on many of the online services the library offers, including eBook services, language learning, Morningstar Investments, and Kanopy streaming video service. It also provides tutorials on Microsoft Office, internet basics, social media, Google Docs, and more!

VISIT THE LIBRARY FOR A LIVE DEMO

For the first time ever you can browse all of our e-books and e-audiobooks in ONE free app!

SimplyE is an e-reader app that makes it easy to browse, borrow, and read eBooks from the library’s collection. Specifically, the app brings our main eBook collections together in one place, including titles from Overdrive and cloudLibrary.

SimplyE is free and can be accessed with your library card and PIN number. Download the SimplyE app to your iOS or Android device to gain instant access to thousands of free eBooks. Visit Schertz.com/711/Ebooks to learn more and start reading!

TEXAS TALKING BOOK PROGRAM

The Talking Book Program provides free library services to Texans who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary. Books and magazines are available in different formats, mainly on digital cartridge, but also digital audio, and in braille and large print. Best of all, books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. The program offers more than 80,000 titles in fiction and nonfiction, plus 80 national magazines for adults and children. Library staff are available to demo the Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM) that will be loaned to you by the Talking Book Program if you are eligible for the services.

MOBILE CLASSROOM DAIRY MOBILE CLASSROOM DAIRY

June15 10:00 a.m.

Back LibraryParking Lot

This innovative program brings the dairy experience directly to the community! For more information visit schertzlibrary.org