It was a beautiful day on Saturday, March 5, as the Office of Historic Preservation kicked off our 2016 SApreservation 5K series. Over 50 runners and walkers enjoyed the first guided tour of the season which explored San Antonio Water Works at Brackenridge Park. Our friends at Fleet Feet Sports led everyone in some simple stretching before heading out. Members of the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) staff and other volunteers gave tours of the area in and around Brackenridge Park, where many remnants of the 19th century water works remain. In addition to exploring the history of the River, participants learned more about some of the historic features in the park, including Joske Pavilion, the Berlin Iron Bridge, and the Donkey Barn.
Lynn Osborne Bobbit, Executive Director of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, was on hand to talk about three other stops on the tour: Miraflores (1921-1930), the Upper Labor Acequia and raceway for the pump house, and the Faux Bois Bridge. Amanda Gangawer, San Antonio Parks Foundation, welcomed runners and walkers to the Japanese Tea Garden (1917) and gave a brief history of the Garden.
Overall, runners finished the 5k tour in about 40 minutes. The more leisurely walkers finished in about an hour-and-a-half.
If you are interested in participating in our other 5k events this year, including Monte Vista on September 14, Eastside Cemeteries on October 29, and an after-dark tour of downtown’s holiday lights on December 6, then subscribe to our newsletter to get all of the information as it becomes available.
For those wanting a little more “urban adventure,” check out our Amazing Preservation Race on May 14 to celebrate National Preservation Month! Early registration is now available, which includes a discount on the race fee. Prices go up on April 1, so register your team of four today!
The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) preserves and protects the unique historic structures, archaeological sites, and design features of San Antonio, most of which exist in and directly around the downtown area. It promotes preservation through the creation of local historic districts and local individual landmarks, and oversees a design review process for exterior alterations to historic landmarks and districts, properties within the RIO districts (spanning the San Antonio River), public properties, and public art to ensure that modifications and changes are appropriate for historic resources.
