Park Projects

The San Antonio Parks Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide enhancements to the City of San Antonio’s parks system which improve the quality of life for all its citizens. Organized in 1981, the foundation works closely with the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Downtown Operations Department. Funding for parks projects is provided from foundation and corporate grants, and individual gifts. The proceeds from five large events, Fiestas Fantasias (10 day Fiesta event), the July 4th Celebration at Woodlawn Lake Park, Jazz'SAlive in Travis Park, and Celebrate San Antonio (the New Year’s Eve downtown celebration) assist the Foundation in maintaining the operating budget.

In addition to providing monetary support for park projects, the Parks Foundation also acquires land for dedicated park space and natural areas through the donation of land or purchase. Total land acquisition through 2008 is over 350 acres, which the City of San Antonio received at no cost.

Park projects and support provided to the City of San Antonio
1999-2008

Japanese Tea Garden – Current project

Developed and paid for the Master Plan - $100,000+
Raised $800,000+ towards the $1.5 million Summer 2007 construction phase

Arneson River Theater – Ongoing Project

The Parks Foundation funds approved ongoing general maintenance projects to the facility. The Arneson River Theater bank account is managed by the San Antonio Parks Foundation.

Kronkosky Playscape Projects – 2009

New playscapes installed in Olympia Park, Copernicus Park, Skyline Park, Pershing Park, Windsor Park, and Collins Garden Park summer of 2009.

Sunken Garden Theater – 2006

$30,000 paid to date on the Masterplan.

Lady Eco - 2005-2006

Environmental Cleaning Vessel custom built for the Riverwalk. $100,000 was raised by the San Antonio Parks Foundation for this unique project

Medina River Natural Area – 1999 to 2008

2008 – Park Improvements included entry signage, entry gates, kiosk, additional trees, shrubs and groundcover - $153,000+
2006 – Land Acquisition – 143 acres donated to the San Antonio Parks Foundation; donors have valued the donation at $5-7 million (Undeveloped land across the river is currently valued at $6 - 8,000 an acre).
2002 – 19+ acres of property purchased – $200,000 project (this contribution was also used for the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant, in which a match was received and used for trail development at the park.)
2001 – An additional $151,000 was donated from the Kronkosky Charitable Fund through the San Antonio Parks Foundation, which included the cost for the park Masterplan. As of 2006, total acreage for the Medina River Natural Area now stands at 505.

City’s Historic Eastside Cemeteries

Ornamental iron fencing that improved the appearance and security was provided for the following cemeteries:

Historic City Cemeteries #3&4 – 2006 - $25,000 project
Historic City Cemetery #1 – 2001-2002 - $25,000 project
Odd Fellows Cemetery – 2001 - $13,000 project

Comanche Lookout Park – 2004-2005

Outdoor Classroom - $100,000 was raised for this important project.

Alamo Plaza Improvements Project – 2004

Project included the restoration of the existing bandstand, new benches and landscape enhancements to Alamo Plaza. Total project was $65,000 (included partial in-kind services).

Woodlawn Lake Park – 2001-2004

Island House Improvements – Phase II – 2004 - $15,000 project
Island House Improvements – 2002 - $15,000 project
Josephine Tobin sign – 2001 - $12,500 project

Robert Tobin Park – 2003

Land acquisition – 60.5 acres of land, valued at $240,000 at the time of the donation, was given to the San Antonio Parks Foundation. The Foundation also provided partial payment for the new parking lot.

Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park – 1999-2002

Addition of the Landmark Windmill – 2002 - $7,000 project
Addition of Outdoor Teaching Facility – 2000 - $100,000+ project
33.4 acres of land acquisition along the Salado Creek abutting the park to provide linkage to future greenway trails –1999 - $217,000 project
Addition of new playground – 1999 - $60,000 project

Travis Park – 1999 - 2002

Travis Park Sod Project – 2002 - $25,000 project
Addition of 27 park benches – 1999 - $30,000 project
Expansion and update of the irrigation system – 1999 - $5,000 plus volunteer labor.
Addition of new sod to the perimeter of the park – 1999 - $5,000 plus volunteer labor

San Pedro Springs Park – 2001

New Playground - $31,000 project

HemisFair Park – 2001

“Flower the Tower” Rotary International Project – Re-landscaping project for a major portion of HemisFair Park after the construction of the Convention Center expansion was completed. $50,000 project (half was in-kind plant materials)

Howard Peak Garden – Paseo Del Rio – 2001

Development of a new riverside park named in honor of Mayor Howard Peak. The project included benches and landscaping - $15,000 project

Milam Park – 2000-2001

Construction of Milam Park Fountain - $60,000 project

Bryan McClain Park – 2001

Land acquisition of 97.5 acres. Monetary gift came through Martin Marietta Materials - $100,000 project.

Rosedale Park - 2000

New playground - $36,000 project

Lockwood Park – 2000

New Playground $25,000 project