HHistoryistory ofof NNewew BBraunfelsraunfels

Spring Fed Pool New Braunfels’ Historic Heritage such local taxation was provided throughout Texas circa 1936 by the Constitution of 1876. In 1845, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels founded New Braunfels. In German, “Braunfels” means In the 20th century, New Braunfels experienced “Brown Rock.” Within the fi rst ten years of rapid growth partially because of the tourism settlement, the immigrants in New Braunfels industry. By this time the Comal and Guadalupe set up manufacturing centers for wagons, farm Rivers were within the city limits and much of the implements, leather goods, furniture, and clothing. land along the banks was open for public use. They sold these articles to the pioneers settling The recreational uses of the rivers for fi shing and throughout the Texas Hill Country. In 1850, New tubing not only attracted visitors but also business Braunfels was the fourth largest city in Texas, owners who opened restaurants and hotels. The following Galveston, San Antonio, and Houston. In completion of Interstate 35 in the decades after 1852 the newspaper was started with Ferdinand World War II only fueled the growth of tourism in Lindheimer, famous Texas botanist, as the editor. New Braunfels, and tourism is still profi table in the community today.

Early on in the foundation of the city, the churches started schools, and then combined to form a city school, fi nally leading to a district system in 1858. The New Braunfels Academy was the fi rst school. That year, citizens decided to impose a tax to support the public school; this was 18 years before

The 2010 New Braunfels Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 2.1 History of New Braunfels

New Braunfels’ Heritage of Parks

Residents and visitors of New Braunfels have always enjoyed the natural resources that create the parks. For example, when Landa Park was still private property in the late 1800s, the landowner, Joseph Landa, allowed people to come onto his property for picnicking and other recreational activities. Even before the land was bought by the city and designated as public property, people were using it as a park. Visitors would come from San Antonio and Austin just to spend the day at what was then called Landa Pasture and the beautiful rivers. Not much has changed in the last 100 years. People still come to New Braunfels just to spend the day at the parks, and many residents move to New Braunfels because of how beautiful the parks make the city.

Page 2.2 Our Parks - Our Heritage, Our Future History of New Braunfels

Image and Unique Physical The rivers in New Braunfels have Features – A Beautiful Setting tremendous aesthetical and recreational “Our park system is the appeal including the excitement of running thread that connects New Braunfels is one of the best known communities water, the peacefulness of quiet fl owing this city.” in Texas, and much of that is because of the beauty water, the sound and movements of birds of its Hill Country setting. Beauty is found in the and animals associated with the water, and New Braunfels resident 2008 rivers and creeks, intimate neighborhoods with large mature trees that provide welcome tree-covered streets, historic downtown, and the shade to the users. Ecologically, the hill country landscape. linear confi guration of rivers makes them extremely valuable as landscape corridors for wildlife. Area roadways that approach New Braunfels do little to contribute to its image. Most visitors approach New Braunfels from the heavily traveled IH 35. Their fi rst impression is that of retail along IH 35 or that of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center. It is only when the city is explored closer to its center and to the northwest that the true image and character of the city is revealed.

A review of the elements that contribute to New Braunfels’ unique image reveals the following:

Rivers and Creeks New Braunfels’ river system consists of two main rivers, the Guadalupe River and the Comal River. Rural landscape The former is the larger of the two and includes Agricultural activity and landscapes characterize a number of fairly large tributaries. Both rivers New Braunfels from the Guadalupe River corridor provide the visitor with dramatic views and vistas and sections of Seguin Avenue down to the as they wind through the city. southern border of city. Large areas of land are unspoiled by development. Such landscapes are quickly vanishing from the urban environment. Yet, it is when such landscapes are offset by sensitive development that their real beauty is revealed.

The 2010 New Braunfels Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 2.3 History of New Braunfels

In fact, areas along County Line Road appear to be successful in mixing farming and residential developments. Other scenic roads are sections of Seguin Avenue, San Antonio Avenue, and River Road.

Gruene is of particular importance from a rural and historic point of view. It is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district, and is one of the best known historic attractions in Texas.

There is a local historic district in downtown New Braunfels called the Sophienburg Historic District. Buildings and places recognized as having historical signifi cance in this district include: ■ Comal County Courthouse ■ Comal Hotel and Klein-Kuse House ■ Comal Power Plant ■ First Protestant Church ■ Guadalupe Hotel ■ Hotel Faust ■ Lindheimer House

Page 2.4 Our Parks - Our Heritage, Our Future History of New Braunfels

Scenic and Tree Tunnel Roads / River The purpose of the New Braunfels Parks and Road Recreation Master Plan is to incorporate all the Trees growing along narrow streets with arching above-described elements in an intelligent manner branches provide new meaning to roads in cities. to celebrate their uniqueness, enhance their Many such settings are noticeable in the City of appearance, ensure their preservation, and make New Braunfels especially along River Road. Other their value known to the community. roads are scenic due to the agriculture and rural land that they traverse. This is especially evident along roads in the northwestern part of the city, Economic History and Growth generally northwest of Loop 337. These roads call for special attention to protect and preserve their When the early pioneers fi rst settled in New scenic value. Braunfels, many of them had trades such as making wagons, leather goods, furniture, clothing, as well Intimate Neighborhoods as being able to farm. New Braunfels quickly New Braunfels has various older neighborhoods became the commercial center for pioneers in the that are characterized by elegant older homes, Texas Hill Country. Other area settlers built cotton narrow and shaded streets, neat yards and an gins, saw mills, grist mills, and oil mills. By the intimate feeling. In such neighborhoods people 1880s, telegraph and rail lines went from Austin to typically walk the streets and visit neighbors on San Antonio, passing through New Braunfels. This foot. allowed for easy communication and the exchange of goods. Downtown New Braunfels Well maintained, well used, and enjoyed during the The textile factories and fl our mills offered steady week and the weekend, the Main Plaza roundabout work and growth in the early 20th century. However, and the associated downtown area have a charm the Great Depression almost closed all the mills that stretches beyond the City of New Braunfels. and the boll weevils beetle nearly destroyed the Many visitors come from afar to attend musical textile industry. Growth of the city then began again events and to shop in the quaint stores. Once during World War II, during which time the city off Seguin Avenue and San Antonio Avenue, the reorganized their government for the second time. downtown area is further characterized by narrow The original system of aldermen was replaced in tree-covered streets with small, but neatly kept 1920 with a mayor-commission system. In 1947, houses and multiple churches. the city replaced it with a council-manager form of government.

As mentioned previously, the tourism industry is very profi table and vibrant in New Braunfels. The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers offer recreational activities such as swimming, fi shing, tubing, and kayaking. Also, the Schlitterbahn Water Park is in New Braunfels. Schlitterbahn is on 65 acres in the heart of New Braunfels, and has been mentioned on the Travel Channel as the number one water park in the United States for several years now.

Another tourism attraction in New Braunfels

The 2010 New Braunfels Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 2.5 History of New Braunfels

is the historic district of Gruene. Gruene was Table 2.1 once its own town in Comal County along the New Braunfels’ Major Employers Guadalupe River; however it became a ghost Employer # of Employees town after the stock market crash in 1929. Now it is within the city limits of New Braunfels, and in Schlitterbahn 1,800 (seasonal) the 1970s efforts were made to save the town’s Comal ISD 1,700 historic infrastructure. The “town” is listed on the Wal-Mart Distribution 1,200 National Register of Historic Places and consists New Braunfels ISD 912 of a winery, restaurants, souvenir shops, and the famous dance hall, Gruene Hall. Other major city Christus Santa Rosa Hospital 900 employers are shown in Table 2.1 to the right. The Scooter Store 870 Hunter Industries, Ltd. 550 Comal County 523 City of New Braunfels 450 Wal-Mart Super Center 435 HD Supply Facilities Maintenance 450 Checks in the Mail 350 Dean Word Company 350 HEB Grocery 300 Ashley Furniture Homestore 245 Distribution Home Depot 240 Coleman Company, Inc. 230 Eden Home 230 GVTC Communications 228 Source: 2008 New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce

Gruene Historic District

Page 2.6 Our Parks - Our Heritage, Our Future PPopulationopulation & DDemographicsemographics ooff NNewew BBraunfelsraunfels

New Braunfels’ Service Area New Braunfels’ Growing Population The New Braunfels city limits and ETJ limits cross over two counties, Comal County and Guadalupe New Braunfels will experience steady growth County. Therefore, the New Braunfels Parks throughout the next several decades and over and Recreation Department provides recreation the lifetime of this plan. By the year 2030, New opportunities to people living in both counties. Braunfels is projected to have a population of over 150,000 residents, as shown in Table 2.3. Table 2.2 shows the service area population within the city limits and ETJ limits of New Braunfels. Table 2.3 Projected Growth of These are the people that look to New Braunfels for New Braunfels their primary recreational and park uses, not just a Year Projected Population % of Growth weekend trip to the rivers. 2009 58,000 - 2015 77,726 34% Table 2.2 2020 99,200 27.6% New Braunfels Service Area 2025 126,607 27.6% Comal County Guadalupe County 2030 161,586 27.6% Census Pop. Census Pop. Source: 5% Compounding growth per year as Tract Tract determined by consulting fi rm, Halff. 3101 3,706 2106.03 4,861 3102 2,851 2106.04 3,956 New Braunfels has had a steady growing population for the past few decades. However, growth in the 3103 6,971 2106.05 5,053 counties that surround New Braunfels has exceeded 3104.01 5,591 the growth of the city itself, as shown in Table 2.4 on 3104.02 6,877 the following page. 3105 9,060 Since the start of the new century, New Braunfels 3108 6,756 has grown more than its neighboring cities of San 3109 6,465 Marcos, Seguin, and San Antonio. In Table 2.5 on Subtotal 47,277 Subtotal 13,870 the following page the growth of these cities since Total 61,147 2000 is shown. New Braunfels has had the most Source: 2000 U.S. Census growth with 29.2% from 2000 to 2005.

The 2010 New Braunfels Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 2.7 Population & Demographics of New Braunfels

Table 2.4 Population Growth of New Braunfels, Comal County, and Guadalupe County New Braunfels Comal County Guadalupe County Year Population % of Growth Population % of Growth Population % of Growth 1970 17,859 - 24,165 - 33,554 - 1980 22,402 25.4% 36,445 50.8% 46,708 39.2% 1990 27,334 22.0% 51,832 42.2% 64,873 38.9% 2000 36,494 33.5% 78,021 50.5% 89,023 37.2% 2009 58,000 58.9% ---- Source: U.S. Census; 2009 population information from the City of New Braunfels.

Table 2.5 Recent Growth of New Braunfels and Neighboring Cities City 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 Growth Since 2003 New Braunfels 53,547 51,804 49,212 47,168 44,956 42,817 25.1% San Marcos 52,927 50,373 48,473 46,111 43,780 43,780 20.9% Seguin 26,394 26,051 26,628 24,230 23,982 23,982 10.1% San Antonio 1,351,305 1,328,984 1,296,304 1,256,509 1,235,089 1,213,233 11.4% Source: U.S. Census Population Estimates

Population Growth from 2003 to 2008 60,000 53,547 52,927 51,804

50,000 50,373 49,212 48,473 47,168 46,111 44,956 43,780 43,780 42,817 40,000

30,000 26,628 26,394 26,051 24,230 23,982 23,982 20,000

10,000

0 New Braunfels San Marcos Seguin

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Page 2.8 Our Parks - Our Heritage, Our Future Population & Demographics of New Braunfels

A Demographic Profi le of New Racial Characteristics - the racial Braunfels characteristics for New Braunfels are shown in Table 2.7. 84.3% of the population is white A key part of the parks master planning process is to and 34.5% are of Hispanic or Latino heritage. understand the characteristics of the population to be According to the US Census demographic served. Some of the factors to consider are age, race, categories, a person of Hispanic or Latino and income. heritage can be of any race. Therefore, in the table below, the races add up to 100% when Age - The majority of the population of New Braunfels, Hispanic heritage of any race is not included 51%, are within the working ages of 20 to 59. This since it is not politically considered a race but is similar to the State of Texas that has 56% of the rather an ethnicity. population within this age. Beyond that, the population Table 2.7 Racial Characteristics of New Braunfels is older than that of the state. Only for New Braunfels 28.4% of New Braunfels residents are younger than Race Percent 19, compared to 32% for the state. 20.6% of the New White or Caucasian 84.3% Braunfels population is over the age of 60, Texas has only 13% over the age of 60. This trend is expected to Black or African American 1.4% change in the 2010 census, however, as more young Asian 0.6% families move into the City. See Table 2.6. American Indian or Alaska Native 0.6% Table 2.6 Age Distribution for New Native Hawaiian or Pacifi c Islander 0.03% Braunfels Other race 10.9% Age % of New Braunfels % of Texas Two or more races 2.2% 0-14 21.5% 24% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 34.5% 15-19 6.9% 8% Source: 2000 U.S. Census 20-34 20.0% 23% Medium Income – the income levels for 35-59 31.0% 33% New Braunfels, Comal County, Guadalupe 60-74 11.3% 9% County and Hays County are shown below. 75+ 9.3% 4% The City of New Braunfels per capita income Source: 2000 U.S. Census is somewhat lower when compared to Comal County as a whole. However, it is very similar to both Guadalupe and Hays Counties as shown on Table 2.8 below.

Table 2.8 Income Levels for New Braunfels, Comal County, Guadalupe County and Hays County City / County Total Population Median Household Median Family Per Capita Income Income Income New Braunfels 36,494 $40,078 $46,726 $18,548 Comal County 78,021 $46,147 $52,455 $21,914 Guadalupe County 89,023 $43,949 $49,645 $18,430 Hays County 97,589 $45,006 $56,287 $19,931 Source: 2000 U.S. Census

The 2010 New Braunfels Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 2.9 Population & Demographics of New Braunfels

Schools in New Braunfels

There are two school districts with campuses in New Braunfels, the New Braunfels Independent School District and the Comal Independent School District. A list of campuses and enrollment for each school district can be found in Table 2.9 and Table 2.10. There are also fi ve private schools in New Braunfels. The grades and enrollment of these fi ve schools can be found in Table 2.11.

Table 2.9 Comal ISD Campuses in New Braunfels Name Grades 2008-2009 Enrollment Comal Elementary K - 5 3571 Freiheit Elementary K - 5 773 Goodwin/Frazier Elementary Pre K - 5 708 Hoffmann Lane Elementary Pre K - 5 791 Morningside Elementary Pre K - 5 544 Oak Creek Elementary Pre K - 5 Opened fall ‘09 enrollment unknow Canyon Middle School 6 - 8 818 Churchill Middle School 6 - 7 727 Canyon High School 9 - 12 1,803 Avery Park Elementary To be open 8/2010 Source: Comal Independent School District 2008

Table 2.10 Table 2.11 New Braunfels ISD Campuses Private Schools in New Braunfels Name Grades 2008-2009 Name Grades 2008-2009 Enrollment Enrollment County Line Elementary K - 5 568 Calvary Baptist Academy 1 - 12 18 Klein Road Elementary K - 5 395 Cross Lutheran School Pre K - 8 108 Lamar Primary K - 5 427 Nancy Ney Charter School 4 - 12 130 Lone Star Elementary K - 5 414 New Braunfels Christian Academy Pre K - 12 469 Memorial Elementary K - 5 653 St. Peter and Paul Catholic School Pre K - 8 188 Carl Schurz Elementary K - 5 365 Source: Local School Directory 2008 Seele Elementary K - 5 398 Walnut Springs Elementary K - 5 578 Oak Run Middle School 6 - 7 523 New Braunfels Middle School 6 - 8 1,080 New Braunfels High School 9 - 12 1,914 Source: New Braunfels Independent School District 2008

Page 2.10 Our Parks - Our Heritage, Our Future