3 minute read
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.
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.
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.
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!
