Ken Kuwamura, Chairman of the Board of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, stated, “We are honored to be included in the annual traditions that set our city apart as one of community pride, with compassion, respect, and the drive to be the best.”

John Jacks, Director of the Center City Development & Operations Department spoke to the importance of supporting downtown businesses when guidelines allow. “Many Riverwalk and downtown hotels, restaurants and retail businesses are open and ready to safely welcome holiday visitors. The parks are beautiful and picture perfect for creating new memories.”

“The community visited city and county parks extensively over the past year as an essential source of mental and physical well-being. We applaud the dedication of our municipal employees for working to keep everyone as safe as possible. We look forward to gathering again downtown next year when we can toast together and delight in the sparkle and fun with friends,” said Mary Jane Verette, CEO & President of the San Antonio Parks Foundation.

Judge Wolff is optimistic about the future of green spaces, “2020 was the 100th anniversary of the Bexar County Parks System, and 2021 is the beginning of the next 100 years!” In 1920, the land that is currently Bexar County’s Covington Park located at 2600 Rigsby Ave., in San Antonio TX, was donated to Bexar County by Colonel George W. Brackenridge. A 1936 Texas Centennial Marker commemorates this park as the location of the Stephen F. Austin recruiting encampment for the 1835 Siege of Bexar, which took place four months prior to the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

From this modest and humble beginning, the Bexar County Park System has grown to 14 parks, 3 civic centers, 13 community venues, and multiple joint partnership parks, serving over three million visitors per year; becoming an integral part of the communities in Bexar County, and vital to its shared values. Betty Bueche, Director of Heritage and Parks, shared “Everyone loves Bexar County Parks. They are wonderful to visit, have some fun and make some great memories with our families!”

All parks provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature through outdoor recreation, athletic and physical activities. In the years to come, Bexar County Parks is confident it will continue to be a partner with the community in creating memories for our current and future generations.

The San Antonio Parks Foundation would like to thank all official sponsors of Celebrate SA: Bexar County, Thomas J. Henry, Michelob Ultra, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, News4, Fox29, CW35, the City of San Antonio’s Parks & Recreation and Center City Development & Operations Departments, and Union Pacific.