By Edmond Ortiz
A south San Antonio park is the site of the city’s newest public dog park, and a local nonprofit has begun construction on a unique playscape in a park north of downtown.
South Side dog park
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, the city’s capital delivery department and City Council District 3 held a May 11 ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the opening of a new dog park at Concepcion Park, 600 Theo Pkwy.
Measuring less than 1 acre, the new South Side dog park includes separate off-leash areas for small dogs and all dogs, as well picnic tables with a shared shade structure, dog drinking fountains, waste bag stations, trash/recycling receptacles, and a variety of shade trees.
The Concepcion Park dog park was funded by the voter-approved 2022 bond and the city’s tree mitigation fund. This now brings the total number of 20 off-leash public dog parks maintained by the city of San Antonio to 20.
“This new dog park is a great addition for District 3 families and their pets, creating a welcoming space to gather, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors,” District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran said in a statement. “We’re continuing to invest in amenities that enhance quality of life and expand access to green space across our community.”
Brackenridge Park playscape
The Brackenridge Park Conservancy broke ground May 12 on its Nature Playscape, a space designed to link children of all abilities with natural attractions at Brackenridge Park.
According to a news release, Nature Playscape has been designed to encourage imaginative outdoor play, and foster an atmosphere of accessibility and inclusion.
Conservancy representatives said they gathered much public input in developing the playscape, which will include natural climbing structures, sensory-rich elements, naturally shaded gathering areas, water play features, and accessible pathways that accommodate children possessing different types of physical and developmental abilities.
The two-acre playscape will also contain garden zones with native plants, including agricultural plantings connected to irrigation traditions and historical use for foraging, food, and textiles.
BPC representatives said they are committed to using natural materials, such as wood sourced from native Texas trees, in order to immerse visitors in a sustainable environment, and inspire a sense of place and environmental stewardship.
Conservancy officials said a natural playscape at Brackenridge Park has long been requested by many local residents and park visitors.
“This playscape shows what happens when a community comes together with a shared vision,” Chris Maitre, the conservancy’s CEO said in a statement.
“San Antonio families told us they wanted a place where all children, regardless of ability, could explore, play, and feel a sense of belonging in nature. The conservancy is proud to help bring that vision to life, creating a space that honors both the people and the land, and reflects our deep connection to the San Antonio River, which has sustained life here for generations,” he added.
According to the release, the nearly $12 million project is funded by the BPC, which partnered with the city, construction contractor Skanska, and donors to advance the playscape idea.
The conservancy is using a commemorative brick campaign to raise funds and ensure that plans for the playscape are fully realized.
