Boerne is seeing growth not just in numbers but also in its recreational infrastructure. With projections expecting a 24% increase in the population from 2021 to 2026, Boerne has been quietly expanding its network of public trails.
Recreational enthusiasts can currently enjoy three distinct pathways: the 1.75-mile Cibolo Creek Trail, the 1.4-mile Old No. 9 Trail, and the 0.5-mile Currey Trail. There's also the six-mile stretch of trails at the Cibolo Nature Center, though it's not counted among the public offerings as it is part of a private preserve. Having started at Boerne’s City Park, one visitor found that even after leaving bike gloves unattended for an hour, they were still waiting there upon their return, as narrated by San Antonio Report.
The Cibolo Creek Trail, with interpretive signs bedecking the trail, one can learn about the area's tales, like the Sheep Dip Crossing, and hear quotes like “They wuz gonna push ‘em across the Cibolo (pronounced ‘SEE blow’).” lining the path. San Antonio Report captures the feel of the trail, detailing signs about William Dietert, the German immigrant who first dammed the Cibolo Creek in the 1850s to power his gristmill.
The Old No. 9 Trail offers a very straight, flat path through the city, ideal for runners and cyclists alike, and plays host to deer and other wildlife. Incorporating a touch of history, the trail educates on significant transformations in transportation, from Native American footpaths to railways. Exciting developments await as well, with plans for a new preserve to encourage native plant growth and create a wildlife corridor, as per the signs along the trail.
Transportation to the Currey Trail may present a challenge, as portions of the connecting road still lack bike lanes or sidewalks. However, future improvements are likely as Boerne's 2022 parks master plan includes an extension of this trail to bridge these gaps.
