Designed to Thrive

Schertz, TX is building a community to benefit residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Thoughtful economic development, infrastructure investment, and quality-of-life enhancements can work together to create a lasting impact for a community. Schertz is a classic example, as it builds momentum by investing in the places and amenities that support long-term growth.

With new retail destinations and expanded parks, trails, and sports facilities, the city’s recent progress reflects a balanced approach to growth that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses alike. 

“Economic development is about more than attracting projects,” said Amy Madison, Deputy Director of Economic Development at Schertz Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “When we invest with intention, the benefits ripple across residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”

These efforts mirror the promise taking shape across communities throughout the GVEC service area, where strategic investment continues to strengthen the region’s future.

Why does retail follow infrastructure?

Retailers look for locations with strong access, visibility, traffic flow, and connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods. Without the right roads and utilities in place, even high-demand markets can struggle to secure investment.

A 72-acre mixed-use development, Schertz Station, represents Schertz’s first major retail win in more than two decades. The property at the intersection of IH-35 and Cibolo Valley Drive was made possible, in part, by an $8 million investment in surrounding infrastructure by the Schertz EDC.

“Schertz Station represents years of strategic planning coming together,” said Madison. “Once the infrastructure was in place, the market responded quickly, and now we’re seeing a true regional retail destination take shape.”

The primary factor was the extension of Ripps Kreusler Road from Cibolo into Schertz, creating a critical connection between the retail center and nearby residential development.

With infrastructure in place, Schertz Station is now attracting 78,775 square feet of restaurant and retail space, including early openings like Panera Bread, Smoothie King, and Dave’s Hot Chicken, with additional national brands and a Home Depot anchor on the way.

What does it take to become a sports destination?

A community’s assets are the draws that attract visitors seeking recreational pursuits. Thoughtful recreational amenities contribute to visitor spending at hotels, restaurants and retailers, while enhancing overall community appeal.

Sports tourism, built on versatile investments, whether in new sports complexes or upgrades to existing ones, offers quality experiences for both residents and visitors in extended use, larger events, and flexible scheduling.

Schertz approached this process at the Schertz Youth Soccer Complex, with a nearly $2 million investment in installing new athletic field lighting to expand capacity beyond daytime use. As a result, the sports complex functions as a neighborhood asset and a regional draw. The lighting infrastructure enables evening play, expanding access outside school hours for local youth while attracting multi-day tournaments and regional competitions.

“High-quality sports facilities allow us to compete as a destination, but just as importantly, they expand access and opportunity for our residents,” said Madison.

How does recreation impact workforce attraction?

Trails, parks, and greenways play a vital role in workforce attraction and retention, improving health outcomes while connecting neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. Investment in these areas ensures that recreation growth keeps pace with population and development. 

“While today’s workforce is certainly looking for jobs, they’re also seeking a lifestyle,” said Madison. “Trails, parks, and recreational spaces play a major role in attracting and retaining talent, which directly supports economic growth.”

Schertz is investing in trail and pedestrian infrastructure to support walkability, active transportation, and connectivity. A $1.35 million multi-use trail project is underway along West Dietz Creek, featuring a 10-foot-wide concrete path, trail amenities, and safer pedestrian crossings at key intersections.

The city is also planning two transformative park projects designed to serve residents for generations.

Hilltop/Homestead Park, a future 45-acre signature park, will feature a scenic overlook and observation platform, nature-based playscape, picnic pavilions, walking and biking trails, and a fishing pier. The park has already received a $750,000 Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Park Grant.

Community Circle Park, planned behind the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, will expand and modernize existing amenities. The future park is envisioned as a multi-use destination integrating a dog park, skate park, sports complex, teen-oriented recreation spaces, volleyball and basketball courts, art areas, and open seating.

What is the result of a community’s unified vision for economic development?

Approximately $12 million in investments will accelerate park improvements, trail expansion, and recreational infrastructure in Schertz. Adding amenities is always a goal, but, more importantly, Schertz is creating a community where families want to live, businesses want to invest, and visitors want to return.

The carefully planned strategy positions the city as a vibrant highlight of the GVEC Region, showcasing what’s possible for the future.

To learn more about the enterprising communities in the GVEC service area, visit the GVEC website.