Puppy Playland Dog Park History

Audrea Gibson had a dream for the dogs of New Braunfels - she wanted a place for them to run free. So she decided to do something about it.

In January 2008, Ms. Gibson met with the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department (NBPARD) regarding her dream for an off-leash dog park. After meeting with NBPARD, dog lovers were granted permission to use a baseball field at Camp Comal twice per month to let their dogs run. As interest in a permanent dog park grew, a fundraising organization called New Braunfels Puppy Playland (Puppy Playland) was born. Audrea, along with Brooke Heithoff and other volunteers, held fundraisers, presented at meetings, organized volunteers, and submitted grants to help raise money for a permanent dog park.

In 2011, the Puppy Playland group upgraded from twice-monthly off-leash play times to three-times per week meet ups at Solms Park. The group gained in popularity and support, amassing over 500 supporters. Puppy Playland made multiple presentations to New Braunfels City Council, enacted a letter writing campaign to city council members, and continued to fundraise. Their efforts were rewarded when city council designated a nine acre parcel of land at Landa Street and Loop 337 the site of the future dog park. Approximately $15,000 was raised for construction.

In 2012, Puppy Playland held public input meetings and finalized a master plan for the dog park. The group continued their fundraising efforts and thrice weekly off-leash meet ups.

In 2013, the master plan was converted to an engineered drawing. Approximately $70,000 in funds and $80,000 in in-kind donations was raised, totaling approximately $150,000 for construction.

In 2014, the New Braunfels Industrial Development Corporation (4B Board) granted Puppy Playland $100,000 towards the construction of the dog park. Construction began in May and the first phase of the dog park opened in September 2014.

Puppy PlayLand is located at 1240 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78132