Schertz, TX

Cibolo Creek is both a natural corridor and a county line in Schertz, passing just south of the historic center as the city extends from western Guadalupe County into Bexar and Comal counties. Schertz belongs to the San Antonio–New Braunfels metropolitan area, and the 2020 census counted 42,002 residents. Its name comes from an Alsatian family that reached Texas in the 1840s. Sebastian Schertz settled in what was then called Cut-Off in 1866, built a cotton gin in 1870, and operated a general store when the railroad arrived in 1876. A post office followed in 1882, and Cut-Off officially became Schertz in 1899. The creek remains part of everyday outdoor life. Crescent Bend Nature Park covers 180 acres with hike-and-bike trails, bird blinds, picnic areas, and fishing access along Cibolo Creek.

Cut-Off Park provides a trailhead to six miles of primitive creek trails, while 17-acre Pickrell Park combines a pool, walking route, playgrounds, basketball, and pavilions with city events. The Schertz Hometown Harvest farmers market meets there on the first Saturday of the month. Music and Movies in the Park, launched in 2016, rotates films and live performances among parks around the city, and the annual July Fourth Jubilee uses downtown for a parade alongside a 5K, carnival, crafts, music, and fireworks. Schertz Public Library adds weekly story times, winter and summer reading programs, public internet access, interlibrary loans, and adult classes covering subjects such as computers, health, financial planning, crafts, and literature.