Boerne moves ahead with Waterworks Terrace design funds, seeks RFPs and community input

Assistant City Manager Christy Stark updated the council on the Waterworks Terrace subcommittee, which has held three meetings, conducted a site visit and gathered input from downtown property owners and residents. Stark said staff incorporated community survey results and bring forward renderings and sketches that will be refined with a design firm if council approves the FY27 design funds.

"So this is how, this item meets with our strategy map," Stark said as she reviewed public outreach and the visioning exercise. She told the council the next steps would be to issue a request for proposals to select a design firm, refine costs and timelines, and explore grant opportunities and private partnerships to help fund construction.

Councilmembers described the project as an opportunity to activate underused downtown space and connect to the river walk; they emphasized balancing amenities (shade, picnic areas, kid space) with realistic maintenance costs. If the budgeted design funds are adopted, staff will return with refined cost estimates and an implementation timeline.