Since its creation in 1997 on the site of the city’s former water tower, Kinderpark has been a “go-to” spot for fun and recreation for Boerne youngsters.
Originally dubbed Optimist Park, as developed by the local Optimist Club, it was rebranded Kinderpark in 2015, and has grown to include slides, swings and picnic tables.
But the park lacked an important cog, especially where children are concerned: a restroom.
Problem solved, as of Tuesday morning.
City Manager Ben Thatcher said Assistant City Manager Danny Zincke, when originally hired as parks director, “immediately began thinking about how to upgrade this park.”
When Thatcher first arrived in Boerne five years ago, he said he brought his family to the park “and noticed, there’s not a lot of parking, and there were no bathrooms.”
Children and parents at the park had to drive to nearby businesses simply to use a bathroom.
It was only about 1 ½ years ago the city installed portable restrooms; delivery of a pre-manufactured bathroom facility ordered two years ago was delayed by supply chain issues until last month, when it arrived and was installed.
The one-seat uni-sexed bathroom is tied into the city’s water and sewer system, a procedure that took several weeks to complete.
The price tag of $380,0000 included the purchase, delivery, installation and hook-up.
“In many, many citizen surveys, this is one of the things we heard, ‘When are you going to get a bathroom at the park?’” Thatcher said.
“We’re just pleased with the park, its growth and development over the years,” he said. “The name of the park gives a nod to our German heritage. It’s nice for this park of town to have an amenity like this.”
Mayor Frank Ritchie said transformation of the park, located at West Highlands Drive and Water Street, over the past two decades has been phenomenal.
“The project came directly from you. Residents ... told us what you needed, and we listened,” the mayor said. “But one thing had always been missing — the restrooms. But those days are now a thing of the past.”
“This park is more than just a playground, it’s a reflection of when we work together with our citizens and hear what they have to say,” he said. “Thank you, Boerne, for helping us make this park better for everyone.”
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