New city park under consideration

By Rosanne Fohn

Anvil Herald Reporter

Artist’s rendering of the proposed city park, at the intersection of Castro and Harper, across from the Rec Center.

A new city park may be in the works near the Rick Taylor Recreation Center.

Hondo City Manager John Naron presented a conceptual drawing to the Hondo Economic Development Corporation at its Nov. 21 meeting. The park could be built on land across Castro Avenue from the recreation center to include a new ballfield and two revamped ballfields.

Thanks to the City Parks Department doing the ballfield work instead of hiring contractors, only $130,000 has been used so far and the ballfields are 75% complete. The city allotted $400,000 in certificates of obligation for the ballfield project.

“Just the fence around the (new) field would have cost around $70,000, but it cost only $13,000 because we bought the material and built it,” he said. 

Because the land and some remaining funds are available, Naron developed a proposal that includes building dugouts, bullpens, batting cages and bleachers so that the city could host tournaments that could generate income.

Other amenities being considered are a sand volleyball court, pickleball court, playground, parking area and lights for all three fields. 

Connecting the walking trail from the soccer field to the new complex would make it possible to hold 5K runs there, Naron added. 

While the plans are not set in stone, he is approaching interested groups to see if they have additional ideas and would be willing to help sponsor some of the construction. 

Business incubator

The EDC also heard a presentation from Justin McKenzie representing Das Greenhaus, a 501(c)(3) public-private nonprofit in Boerne that is nurturing startups and small businesses. 

The group offers a business-focused curriculum for schools, a pitch night, speaker series, an internship program, small-business workspace and networking events. The group works with the Boerne/Kendall County Angel Network to help fund startups and provide mentors. 

McKensie pointed out that business pitching is now a UIL event and that through Das Greenhaus, high schoolers and adults have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive mentoring from angel investors.

McKenzie said the guidance and services can be customized to help other towns and regions develop similar activities. He will present a proposal to the EDC at a later date.