Summer is always a time to head outside and soak up some sun, but San Antonio has got us thinking about outdoor spaces even more lately. Our city is making some serious parks progress, and we are so excited about what has happened recently and what’s to come in the future. Read on to learn about new developments in San Antonio’s green spaces and find out how you can get involved.
Pearsall Park
Pearsall Park. Photo courtesy of San Antonio Parks and Recreation
Just last weekend, the city unveiled Pearsall Park—505 acres of green space and recreational areas on what was previously a landfill. This beautiful new park on the Southside encourages fitness, community gatherings, and spending time outside. It’s one of the largest parks in the city and the only with a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon course. Along with a skate park, BMX and mountain bike courses, zipline, splash pad, and Crossfit pavilion, Pearsall Park is poised to not just get people outdoors, but to promote activity and fitness at the same time.
Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park dates back to the 1800s, but San Antonio hopes to update it soon. With beloved attractions nearby, and a lot of recent growth in the area, Brackenridge Park Conservancy is working to make this park even greater. They want to connect the neighboring destinations (like the Zoo, the Witte Museum, and the DoSeum), create a grand lawn, and bring more people—and fewer cars—to Brackenridge Park. The project would revitalize this beloved park, while also making the Broadway corridor and surrounding areas more walkable.
The Conservancy wants community feedback on the Master Plan, and we encourage you to share your thoughts with them! Learn how to do so here.
Confluence Park
Confluence Park rendering. Courtesy of San Antonio River Foundation
With the river playing such an important role in our city’s history and current landscape, it makes sense for San Antonio to educate the community about our connection to it. Confluence Park, which broke ground last month, aims to do just that. The park, located by Mission Concepción, will serve as a “living classroom”, teaching residents and visitors alike about science and sustainability. And the park itself will be sustainable, equipped with water catchment systems and solar panels. If you’re excited about the sound of all this, consider helping Confluence Park come to life by donating to the San Antonio River Foundation.
New Northside land
Recently, Mayor Taylor and the City of San Antonio announced that they had purchased 204 acres on the Northside, land that the City will transform into a park with hike and bike trails, sports fields, and more. The new park will not only provide more green space to San Antonians living on the Northside (and across the city!), but will also protect the environment and Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. By purchasing land that would likely have been developed to build up to 3,500 homes and apartments, the city is committing itself to environmental sustainability and access to green spaces, giving us another reason to be proud to call San Antonio home.
