Register   Login       
 
Our Parks and Facilities Await You...... Minimize

Print  
 
    September 8, 2010
Old No. 9 Trail    
Other Organization Links
Print  
 
Tennis Courts
Click here for fees, passes, lessons and other tennis activies
Print  
 
Municipal Pool
Click here for admission rates, season passes and hours of operation
Print  
 
 
Come visit our city...and enjoy the amenities offered by our parks...

Ball Fields at Northrup ParkMonument at Veteran's ParkTennis Courts at City ParkFishing at River Road ParkBoerne City LakeHorshoe pits at Northrup Park
Print  
 
Old No. 9 Trail - 358 Esser Rd Minimize

 

 

 

 

 

Trail Rules 
For your safety and enjoyment, use: CAUTION, COURTESY, COMMON SENSE
 
·         Be considerate of all trail users.
·         Always be aware of your speed and trail conditions.
·         Share the trail courteously; communicate by giving audible signals when passing other users. 
·         Please respect private property, stay on the trail.
·         In-line skaters and bicyclists yield to pedestrians.
·         Keep to the right and pass on the left.
·         Keep pets on short leashes under control, and pet waste off the trail.
·         Dumping and littering are prohibited. If you see litter, pick it up.
·         Be especially courteously to users with special needs.
·         Use extra caution where trail or path crosses streets.
·         It is unlawful to destroy or to deface any natural or artificial improvements to the trail.
·         It is unlawful to frighten, annoy, injure or kill any wild or native animals or birds.
·         No unauthorized motor vehicles allowed, except wheelchairs.
·         No commercial activities permitted.
·         Keep horses off the improved trail service. Stay on the grass.
 
In an emergency, call 911
Report unsafe trail conditions to (830) 248-9511
 
RENTAL FEES
The park is not available for rent, however the City does require special event permits for any public group gatherings. 
 
Trail Amenities:
·          Paved parking lot at Esser Road trail head
·          Rest stops all along the 1.4 mile trail
·          Drinking fountains are located at each trail head and mid way (Blanco stop) of the trail. Doggie drinking fountain at the Blanco Street rest stop.
·          Mister is located at the Esser Road trail head.
·          One trussed bridge
·          Interpretive signs along the trail
Print  
 
History and Development of Old No. 9 Trail Minimize
The evolution of the transportation corridor in the Texas Hill Country is a unique and fascinating story. Although there was never a designated No. 9 train route for any of the railroads that passed through these hills, the name does give some insight into the tremendous transportation heritage of Texas and the Hill Country region. 
 
Portions of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Company (SA & AP) line, especially the segment from San Antonio to the northside of Boerne, followed very closely the route of the Pinta Trail. This early Indian trail was a route to the interior of the Texas Hill Country that was originally traversed by foot, then by horse. 
 
Evolving from this once narrow Indian pathway was a wagon trail for immigrants. This trailway became what is now known as Old San Antonio Highway or Old Fredericksburg Road, which was the main wagon trail from San Antonio to Boerne and eventually leading to Fredericksburg. It is no coincidence that the SA & AP chose to follow portions of this trailway to minimize grading of the railroad bed and to be in close proximity to plentiful natural resources. 
 
After the construction of the railroad a more permanent roadway, State Highway 9 was constructed by the State Highway Department that followed the route of the Old San Antonio and Old Fredericksburg Highways. This was later upgraded and realigned and given the name U. S. Route 87. This new route utilized portions of S. H. 9. A segment of an unused section of this roadway was later renamed as Old Number 9 to recognize this remnant route. The third and latest upgrade and expansion was the creation of Interstate Highway 10 that swings further westward, sweeping away from the alignment of the original Pinta Trail.   
 
 
The abandoned Southern Pacific Railroad Right of Way was acquired/purchased by the City in 1973.
 
In 1993 the City applied for an ISTEA Grant from the Texas Department of Transportation for a Hike and Bike Trail along the Rail Road right of way commonly referred to as “Old Number Nine”. The funds were used to construct the 1.4 linear trail utilizing City forces. The trail is a stabilized base trail.
 
In 2000 the City applied to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Recreational Trails Fund for a grant. The grant funds were used to construct trailheads and trail amenities that provide for recreational, educational and interpretive opportunities.
 
Construction of the linear trail began in the fall of 2002 and was completed in late summer of 2003 after many delays in construction due to weather.
 
In a conscious effort to connect to earlier days, the motif of the SA & AP railroad was fused into the Old No. 9 Trail amenities, utilizing to the extent possible, some of the more distinctive design elements of the SA & AP. For example, the depot shade pavilion at Blanco Road was designed to replicate the outline of the smaller depots of the SA & AP used by less populated communities along the route. 
 
The construction and instillation of trail amenities began in late fall of 2003 and was completed in fall of 2004.
Print  
 
Parks
Print  
 
Athletic Programs
Print  
 
Facilities
Print  
 
Contact the Web Administrator Minimize

We are excited about your visit to our site and want to know about your experience.  Please give us your comments or report any problems you encounter by emailing us at this link >>>>  sheinrich@ci.boerne.tx.us
Print  
 
 
 
Home|2010 Parks and Recreation Guide|Special Events|2009 Photo Contest Winners|Parks History|Park Happenings!|Contact Us|Boerne Cemetery|Community Events Calendar|Community Education|Document Library|Frequently Asked Questions|City of Boerne Website|Support Your Parks|Park Rules
Copyright 2007 by City of Boerne Terms Of Use Privacy Statement