Veramendi’s Word Park: A 65-Acre Hill Country Oasis Coming to New Braunfels

As Central Texas continues to grow, especially along the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin, there's no denying the rapid pace of new development. From bustling business districts to massive housing communities, the Hill Country is changing — but that doesn’t mean its natural beauty has to disappear.

One new project in New Braunfels is working to strike the perfect balance between progress and preservation: the Veramendi master-planned community, a thoughtfully designed 2,400-acre development that blends small-town charm with modern amenities and plenty of green space.

And leading that green initiative? A brand-new, 65-acre regional park — Word Park.

🌲 A Park Designed With Purpose

Veramendi’s developers, ASA Properties, have emphasized from the beginning that parks and trails are at the heart of their vision. According to CEO Garrett Mechler, the property’s natural beauty made it a no-brainer to integrate outdoor spaces as a major part of the community.

"Parks and open space trails, that was at the heart of what we wanted to do," said Mechler. "The property is just really unique, beautiful property...we're excited for people to get on a trail and go explore and just have that out-in-nature experience — five minutes from your home."

🎢 What Will Word Park Offer?

This isn’t your average neighborhood greenbelt. Word Park is big and packed with features to engage kids, families, and outdoor lovers of all ages. Here’s what to expect:

• 🌼 Wildflower meadows
• 🧗 Adventure elements + zip line
• 🛝 Nature playscapes
• 🏓 Pickleball courts
• 🚶 Hiking trails
• 💧 Water features
• 🍽 Picnic pavilions
• 🧠 Educational & interactive areas
• 🌳 Preserved tree canopy and native materials

Named in honor of the Word family, who have preserved this land for more than 80 years, the park is just the first of two planned regional parks within Veramendi’s 480-acre connected park system.

🚴 Looking Ahead: More Trails, More Parks

The second park is still in the planning phase, but ASA Properties promises it won’t be a carbon copy of Word Park. Instead, expect a distinct design with an emphasis on bike trails to seamlessly connect the green spaces throughout the Veramendi community.

While an exact completion date hasn’t been announced, groundbreaking is slated for Fall 2025, and excitement is already building across New Braunfels and the Hill Country.

🏡 Why This Matters for New Braunfels – and San Antonio

With San Antonio located just a 30-minute drive south, many families are looking to New Braunfels as an escape from the hustle of city life without sacrificing amenities. Communities like Veramendi — with their focus on recreation, family living, and walkability — offer an ideal alternative.

For homebuyers in the San Antonio area seeking a place with room to grow and easy access to nature, Veramendi’s park system could be the game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Word Park isn’t just another green space. It’s a symbol of how smart development can coexist with the natural charm that makes Central Texas so special. Whether you’re ziplining, picnicking under the trees, or hiking with your kids, this new regional park promises something more: connection — to nature, to community, and to a lifestyle that values both.

Stay tuned for updates as the groundbreaking approaches in Fall 2025.

Kristen Smith, Realtor San Antonio's best realtor