The first area designated in the City of Boerne to serve as a “Community Park” was established about 1852 and was known as the “Common Area”. The current Main Plaza was a part of the much larger Commons Area. The area was fenced and utilized by citizens to water horses and livestock while in town.
By 1964 the City of Boerne had four park sites totaling 7.5 acres of land. There were two Memorial Parks today know as Veterans Park and Roeder Park, Riverside Park, and the Downtown Park.
In 1964 efforts were underway by the City to acquire a 125 acre track of land to serve as the City’s first developed park. The Mayor, Ray Smart, was notified on February 10, 1965 by Western Union Telegram from Ralph W. Yarborough, U. S. Senator, that Boerne would be receiving a $12,159 Federal Grant from the Housing and Home Financing Agencies Urban Renewal Administration to aid in the purchase of the park land. Park planners envisioned amenities such as athletic fields, recreation buildings, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic and camping areas. The City’s first Recreation Committee was organized in 1969 to discuss a Master Recreational Plan for the park. The park served for many years as the City’s only park that supported athletic activities such as softball, baseball, tennis, and soccer. This park is known today as City Park.
The Optimist Park at the corner of West Highland and Bess Streets was developed in 1997 with the support of the local Optimist Club. The Optimist Club supported the purchase of playground equipment and development of the site which was originally a City well site.
Northrup Park was opened in 2000. The land was purchased from the Northrup family. This park has become a popular park for softball and baseball tournaments and leagues. In addition, a covered basketball court serves both as a facility for picnics, reunions, and social gatherings and also for a pick up game of basketball or organized practices.
The Old Number Nine Trail was officially opened in the fall of 2004 with the completion of trail amenities such as rest stops, drinking fountains and an all-steel depot-style pavilion. This 1 ¼ mile section of the abandoned Southern Pacific railroad right-of-way was initially constructed by the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway Company in 1887. It now serves as a pedestrian and bicycle trail.
City administration is dedicated to the continued, positive growth of the Parks and Recreation Department. In May of 2002 the first Parks and Recreation Director was hired. A Parks Superintendent position was created and filled in November 2003 and a Recreation Coordinator was hired in January 2004. In Fall of 2007 a Special Events Coordinator was hired to facilitate City Sponsored events such as the now popular Summer Scene featuring Concerts and Movies in the Park among other City Sponsored events throughout the year.