Landa Park HIstory
Early Beginnings
The heart of Landa Park is its natural artesian springs known as Comal Springs, the largest springs in Texas and the North American Southwest. Owned by Harry and Joseph Landa from 1847 - 1927, the property was developed as a private park for family guests. By 1898, railroad spurs ran into Landa’s Park bringing visitors from San Antonio and throughout the state. Many picturesque amenities were created including a Phillipine-style gazebo on the lake shore, footbridges of cedar branch construction, and dining and dance pavilions of similar construction. Landa’s Park remained a popular tourist destination known as the “Beauty Spot of Texas” until 1927.
Opening to the Public
The park was sold to investors in 1927 and during the Great Depression fell in to disrepair. The President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce began an effort to negotiate the purchase of the park for $80,000. A bond referendum was passed, and in 1936, Landa Park was officially opened to the public.
Unique Features
Features built prior to 1936 still remain in the park today, including the spring-fed swimming pool and Philippine Gazebo. Additional amenities have been added such as a fishing pier, an Olympic pool, eighteen hole golf course, miniature golf course, baseball fields, volleyball court, and horseshoe pitching area. The park is home to the William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum, containing over 56 different trees species, many of which are 100 years old and older.
To the delight of children, a miniature railroad traverses the park. Children enjoy a state of the art playground, and paddle boats and canoes give opportunities for further enjoyment of the lake.
The WPA/CCC did impressive work in Landa Park. The three vehicular bridges still in use exhibit the craftsmanship of these talented workers. Many of the existing walls which line the park waterways were built by them. The impressive stonework of the spring-fed pool area including all the walks was also created by these workers as was the former limestone bathhouse.
Landa Park Today
Landa Park is a place for celebrations, community events and is part of the fabric of New Braunfels history. Strong civic support for the park is still exhibited by New Braunfels residents as evidenced by many volunteer organizations who dedicated time, energy and funding to the park. Friends for the Preservation of Historic Landa Park, the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, Garden Clubs of New Braunfels, Lions Club, Rotary International, and Boy Scouts of America are just some of the groups who continue to help Landa Park shine.
