By Edmond Ortiz
The city of San Antonio has opened two new skate parks, and two area YMCA’s have upgraded their recreational amenities.
San Antonio parks
San Antonio officials have increased the number of public skateboarding parks in recent years, with the city’s West and South sides receiving the latest additions.
Local leaders gathered April 13 at Southside Lions Park to launch a skate park, which features shaded areas, nearby restrooms, water fountains, and accessible paths.
The skateboard park project at Southside Lions Park included the preservation of a grove of mesquite trees, which city representatives said provide natural shade, and maintain the park’s South Texas character.
The Southside Lions skate park project was funded alongside other overall park upgrades by the city’s voter-approved 2022 bond.
On April 10, city leaders congregated at Benavides Park to cut the ribbon on an all-wheels skate park, which is designed for all levels of bicyclists, skaters and skateboarders.
The new all-wheels skate park at Benavides Park was part of $1.2 million in park improvements, which include new trees, walkways, and lighting. The money came from the city’s 2022 bond.
YMCA
Two San Antonio-area YMCA’s recently upgraded their recreational offerings.
The YMCA of Greater San Antonio was part of a March 28 event dedicating an improved youth sports complex, and celebrating new turf fields at the Mays Family YMCA at Stone Oak.
According to local YMCA officials, the new 193,000 square feet of synthetic turf replaces seven acres of grass, enhances playability, and will save an estimated 4 million gallons of water annually, a press release stated.
Local YMCA officials added that the enhanced athletic complex will permit more consistent play, expand opportunities for youth sports programming from across the region, and result in fewer weather-related cancellations.
“Today is about legacy. It’s about partnership; sustainability; and most importantly, it’s about our youth,” Louis Lopez, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, said in a statement. “These fields represent spaces where kids grow in confidence, build character, and learn what it means to be part of a team. These fields belong to them.”
In the Hill Country, the Boerne city, business and community leaders took part in an April 13 event to laud a newly launched turf wellness and recovery area at the Boerne Family YMCA.
Representatives with the Boerne Family YMCA are also inviting community members to join their program for $10 between now and April 30, and take advantage of programs and classes being offered on the enhanced outdoor turf, and enjoy the new spaces that are designed to promote connection and overall wellness.
These improvements at the Stone Oak and Boerne YMCA’s are part of a busy 2026 for YMCA of Greater San Antonio, which is marking its 150th anniversary this year.
The organization this month assumed operations of Morgan’s Sports, an all-inclusive and all-accessible athletic facility at the Morgan’s Wonderland theme park. The organization is also building the Hartman Family YMCA near Morgan’s Wonderland, with construction slated to finish up late this year.
