Big things are happening in Schertz, Texas, where the city has teamed up with the Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to pour a cool $12 million into revamping the local parks and recreation scene. This partnership, greenlit at the City Council meeting on June 18, is said to be a strategic move that builds on a long-standing collaboration between the city and the SEDC that has seen major roadways and water systems in Schertz get a facelift.
According to a statement obtained by the City of Schertz's official website, Scott Wayman, Executive Director of Economic Development, remarked, "Investing in key parks projects is part of our mission to promote and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses." The plan is to kick things off with a $1.7 million installation of field lights at the Schertz Soccer Complex, which should be ready to light up tournaments, and by extension, the local economy, by early 2025.
But wait, there's more. The SEDC isn't stopping at soccer fields. They're putting their money where their mouth is, with Hilltop Park set to become a new nature-nook with an overlook, biking trails, and even a fishing pier. Adding a cherry on top, this park snagged an additional $750,000 from a Texas Parks and Wildlife local park grant.
Parks Director Lauren Shrum told the City of Schertz's website, "Many of these til now pipe dream projects, have been in the works for a while and with this new investment, they will come to life sooner than we anticipated." And for those teen residents of Schertz, "The Box" at Community Circle Park will be the next big hang-out spot, decked out with volleyballs courts, spaces for public art, and even hammocks by 2028.
It seems like Schertz and the SEDC are all in on creating a community that's both sustainable and fun to live in, or visit. For those keen on the nitty-gritty of Schertz's park plans, head over to Schertz.com/parkdevelopment and keep your eyes peeled on Schertz Parks and Recreation's social media for the latest updates, or suss out what the SEDC is plotting next over at SchertzEDC.com.
