🌳Parks & Rec Month, Utility Rate Hike, Penguins, + More

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☀️ Happy Wednesday, New Braunfels Life Readers!

We’ve got a packed midweek edition for you—full of big community news, summer fun, and a few feel-good stories that remind us just how special this town really is.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

  • 🎉 A full month of family-friendly events for Park & Rec Month

  • 💡 NBU utility rate changes explained

  • 🐧 A fascinating free penguin program tonight at the library

  • 🏞 A weekend getaway near waterfalls and wine country

  • 🚗 Paid parking coming to downtown—what locals are saying

  • 🍔 A Wisconsin-style food truck finds its forever home

  • 🏡 Luxury apartments nearly finished on Oak Run Pkwy

  • 👮 A local Eagle Scout making a difference for NBPD

The rain we’ve gotten this month has been a blessing, but it can also wash bacteria, sediment, and other contaminants into wells, cisterns, and even city systems. If your water’s tasting off or your system’s under pressure, it might be time for a checkup.

For over 30 years, Aqua-Man Water Conditioning has been New Braunfels’ trusted name for water softeners and custom filtration systems. Their solutions protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind — rain or shine.

📞 Call (210) 342-2290 or visit www.aquamanwater.com to schedule your free consultation.

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with The New Braunfels Life? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

New Braunfels kicks off Park & Rec Month with a full calendar of fun

New Braunfels is celebrating National Park & Recreation Month this July with a jam-packed schedule of outdoor fun for all ages. From snow cone parties and food truck nights to guided hikes and mural tours, the Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the community to “Build Together, Play Together”—this year’s theme from the National Recreation and Park Association.

Highlights include the Live @ Landa concert and fireworks show on July 4, a Panther Canyon hike, fitness with firefighters, and even a snow cone party at Landa Park Aquatic Complex.

“Outdoor activity is the cornerstone to staying healthy,” said Parks and Recreation Director Chad Donegan. “Check the calendar, carve out some time, and come join us!”

DID YOU GET YOUR FREE COFFEE YET?!

In case you missed it, we’ve teamed up with Lucky Brew Coffee—a new coffee trailer bringing that rich Pacific Northwest flavor to NBTX—to treat our Plus members to one free 16 oz. signature latte each this month!

If you’re not yet a Plus member, you can still sign up and grab your free coffee perk, but time is running out!

It’s a great way to fuel your day and support the local journalism you love.

👉 Sign up for Plus here!

City Council approves rate increases for water, wastewater, and electric services

On June 23, the New Braunfels City Council officially approved NBU’s utility rate adjustments, which will take effect on August 1. These changes, shaped by community input and an independent study, aim to strengthen infrastructure, maintain reliability, and prepare for future growth.

For most customers, the new rates will increase monthly bills by about $16–$26, depending on services and usage. The funds will help cover 121 projects totaling $534.5 million, addressing everything from system upgrades to regulatory mandates.

Want to see how it’ll affect you? Use NBU’s bill calculator to estimate your updated costs:

This is not an advertisement.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND TOWN?

Here are some of the events we’re most excited about over the next few days:

Wednesday

📖 Fischer Park Family Storytime (Fischer Park, 9:30 AM)

🏄‍♀️ Women’s Wakeboarding Clinic with Annie Best (Texas Ski Ranch, 2:00–5:00 PM)

🐧 The Krushan Foundation: African Penguin Protectors (New Braunfels Public Library, 6:00 PM)

🎶 Yodel Blitz live (Krause’s Cafe, 6:00 PM)

🎸 The Georges (Gruene Hall, 6:00–10:00 PM)

🎬 The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Presents: Twister (The Brauntex, 6:30 PM)

🎉 $5 Whiskey Wednesday & Xtreme Music Bingo (Watering Hole Saloon, 7:00–10:00 PM)

Thursday

🕺 Toddler Dance Party (New Braunfels Library, 10:30 AM)

🎥 Daytime Classics (New Braunfels Library, 2:00 PM)

🎌 Teen Anime & Manga Club (New Braunfels Library, 5:00–6:00 PM)

💃 Dance Lessons (Gruene Hall, 6:00–7:00 PM)

🎸 Buffaloe & The Heard (Krause’s Cafe, 6:00 PM)

📚 Books on Tap (Faust Brewing, 6:30 PM)

🎱 Pool Tournament (Happy Cow Bar, 7:00–11:30 PM)

🎤 EXILE (The Brauntex, 7:30 PM)

Friday

🪓 Family Fridays - Cable Park / Axe Throwing (Texas Ski Ranch, All Day)

🕹️ E-Sports Video Game Club with Boys & Girls' Club (New Braunfels Library, 4:00 PM)

🎷 Soul Sessions live (Krause’s Cafe, 6:30 PM)

🤠 Jesse Daniel live (Gruene Hall, 8:00 PM)

🎵 Jerry Almaraz w/ JJ & The 45’s (Happy Cow Bar, 8:30 PM)

🎹 Sing Along Piano Bar (Moonshine & Ale, 8:30–10:30 PM)

🎸 True Labowski (Pour Haus, 8:30–11:30 PM)

Traders Village San Antonio is more than just shopping—it’s an all-day adventure the whole family will love. From thrill rides and tasty eats to live music and unbeatable vendor deals, there’s something for everyone. And with back-to-school around the corner, it’s the perfect time to grab supplies, clothes, and more—without breaking the bank.

🚗 HOT SUMMER DEAL: Every Saturday & Sunday, parking is just $2 before 10 am all summer long.

Beat the crowds, score the best bargains, and save just for showing up early.

📍 Traders Village – 9333 S Loop 410 at Old Pearsall Road

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with The New Braunfels Life? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

🐝 Buzz Around Town

📰 Saving Penguins, One Story at a Time

A local nonprofit is bringing global wildlife awareness to New Braunfels this week. The KruShan Foundation, based in Wimberley, will host a free educational session at the New Braunfels Public Library tonight (Wednesday, June 25) from 6 to 7 pm. The event spotlights the plight of African Penguins—a critically endangered species—and the foundation’s #NotBy2035 campaign aimed at preventing their extinction. Click here for more info.

Starting July 7, downtown New Braunfels will begin enforcing a new $2/hour paid parking policy after the first free hour, up to a daily max of $10. It’s drawing mixed reactions from workers and business owners—some say it’ll help free up spots, others worry about lost business and safety concerns.

🍟 Savannah’s Eats & Treats Finds a Permanent Home

One of New Braunfels' favorite food trucks has moved into a permanent spot at 971 W. San Antonio St. Expect signature Wisconsin-style burgers, sandwiches, and loaded fries—with outdoor seating and pup cups, too!

🏡 The Abbey at Veramendi Nears Completion

This high-end apartment complex is almost ready. Opening in August, it’ll feature smart-home amenities, EV chargers, a resort-style pool, fitness center, pet salon, and biergarten social space. One- to three-bedroom units are available at 2015 Oak Run Parkway.

🧩 Local Eagle Scout Teams Up with NBPD

Fourteen-year-old Kim Powell is being recognized for assembling sensory kits for New Braunfels police officers to keep in their patrol cars. Inspired by her own experience with autism, her project will help officers better support individuals with sensory sensitivities during calls.

WEATHER FORECAST 

Here’s a look at the weather for the next few days:

Wednesday: High: 90º | Low: 73º | 20% chance of precipitation

Thursday: High: 89º | Low: 73º | 40% chance of precipitation

Friday: High: 92º | Low: 72º | 20% chance of precipitation

Burn Ban: OFF

Water Restrictions: Stage 2 (In Stage 2, watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week based on the last digit of your address BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m.)

Looking for a relaxing river day without the hassle? Snag this limited-time deal on tube rentals for two or four and drift the crystal-clear Comal in style. With shuttle service, bottomless tubes, and free onsite parking (while it lasts), all you have to do is show up and float.

This is an advertisement. Looking to partner with The New Braunfels Life? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!

Looking for a weekend escape that’s not too far from home? This private Hill Country cabin near Dripping Springs has a waterfall view, spring-fed grotto, and cozy loft setup. With hiking, wineries, and swimming holes nearby, it’s the perfect unplugged retreat.

🛏 Sleeps 4 | ⭐ 10/10 Reviews | 📍 Near Hamilton Pool

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The New Braunfels Life. If you enjoyed it, pass it along to someone else who loves this town like you do.

Until next time,

— The New Braunfels Life Team

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