The nature of things
San Antonio’s beloved Brackenridge Park fields public input for future plans
San Antonians looking to make a positive impact in the community merely need to take a walk in the park.
On Saturday, November 6, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy and the San Antonio River Authority will host an afternoon in the park filled with live music, tasty food, and the chance for locals to share their thoughts on how best to improve the city’s revered Brackenridge Park.
In August, the conservancy unveiled its comprehensive Cultural Landscape Report, which highlights the cultural and historic significance of the park and identifies several key areas that need attention: prehistoric and historic archeological sites; the river and riparian corridor; river structures, including canals and dams; and vegetation and soils, including historic tree canopies and plant communities.
The overall intent of the report is to help the conservancy and the City of San Antonio sort out how to heal and protect the park’s ecological systems, celebrate the park’s sites, tell the stories that are part of the diverse fabric of the city, and elevate Brackenridge Park’s status on local, state, and national levels.
Indeed, what’s a community park without the community? That’s why the conservancy is giving the public one more opportunity to provide feedback on the report. In addition to filling out a survey, locals are invited to the park to share their ideas, enjoy some live music, and grab a bite to eat from local food trucks.
The park festivities will take place at 3700 N. St. Mary’s St., and will include trumpeter Jerrold Feigenbaum performing near the Tony “Skipper” Martinez Softball Field at 11 am and local accordionist legend Santiago Jiménez Jr. performing near the Joske Pavilion at 1 pm.
Onsite food trucks will include Charm City SnoBalls, Cheesy Jane’s, and Dona Kika’s Tacos & Gorditas, and a portion of proceeds from their sales will support the conservancy’s revitalization of the park.
Giveaways, informational booths, and tours will also be onsite, as will representatives from the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, San Antonio River Authority, City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department, San Antonio Parks Foundation, and San Antonio Water System, who can chat with locals and share more information.
The Holiday Night Markets are a lot like farmers markets in the same location.Photo courtesy of Pearl
The Giving Machines are like vending machines that drop gift cards into a collection bin to show contributions.Photo courtesy of Pearl