City ceremony extols values, vibrancy of River Road Park

Boerne Mayor Frank Ritchie on Wednesday recalled an incident about 20 years ago, when his then-7-year-old daughter dropped a camera into Cibolo Creek during a family visit to River Road Park. “I’m pretty sure we dredged that camera out of the river a couple months ago,” Ritchie said.

The mayor was joined by about 80 Boerne residents and staff members for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of the River Road Park Restabilization project, which fortified the decaying and eroding creek walls and included improvements for residents to enjoy in the park.

“As I stand here this morning, surrounded by the vibrant foliage, the new walking trail, the boardwalk, the fishing piers,” Ritchie said, “I can imagine the children’s voices coming to life, kids fishing off these piers, and just enjoyment of families taking walks through the park in the evening and on the weekends.”

Assistant City Manager Danny Zincke said River Road Park was the first project he worked on when he joined the city’s parks and recreation department in 2011.

“This does an old parks guy’s heart good,” he said before launching into a historical review of the park, and Cibolo Creek.

In 1984 River Road was widened, with curbs and streetside parking. In 1988, City Council adopted Focus Boerne, a visionary plan that gave a new emphasis to downtown areas, to parks, including River Road Park.

“In 2007 Boerne residents approved a bond to fund some of the improvements you see today,” Zincke said. “But just like all public spaces and parks, we tend to love them to death ... it was time for this historic park to get some TLC.”

The restabilization project began in September 2023 and included installation of a boardwalk, two fishing piers, a reconfigured walkway with extra entry points and installation of hundreds of native plants along the shore. More than 7,000 tons of silt was dredged out of the river in the process.

“This park is more than a collection of trees and trails, it’s a symbol of resilience and community spirit,” Ritchie said. “This park has evolved alongside the city. This park offers a sanctuary for all who come for a break from today’s busy busy world.”

City Manager Ben Thatcher recognized staff members who were instrumental and dedicated to seeing the park restored and revitalized through this project.

“I’m proud of them for the dedication of that vision, the efforts they put in, day in and day out. This park stands as a testament to that commitment,” Thatcher said. “We have approached its redevelopment with a focus on a couple key community characteristics, mainly environmental responsibility, and enhancing and protecting our unique community charm.”

“From leisurely walks along the trail, fishing off the piers into the Cibolo, picnicking with the family, there’s no shortage of experiences to be savored on these beautiful grounds,” he said.

The group — which included Champion High School students who designed and constructed fishing habitats placed in the river — gathered on the boardwalk for a group picture taken by a city drone.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Lissette Jimenez said she wanted to take a moment to view the crowd gathered that day.

“Together we have not only stabilized our riverbank but have also laid the foundation for a more sustainable and vibrant future,” Jimenez said.