As public spaces go in San Antonio, Brackenridge Park is a relative ingenue. Although it is celebrating a ripe 125 this year, it still rings in under grand dames like San Pedro Springs Park (295 years old) and Main Plaza (293). Still, a century-plus of serving locals is a huge reason to party.

Brackenridge Park Conservancy, the nonprofit stewards of the land are marking the milestone with a year-long slate of events, fundraisers, and community get-togethers culminating with a birthday bash.

The newly launched programming includes activations for all ages. Children can discover an early love of reading during the Literacy in the Park series in partnership with the San Antonio Public Library or let their hair out during a Where the Wild Things Are-themed event. Older guests can enjoy a polo exhibition held in conjunction with First Tee and the San Antonio Polo Club.

Easter, as always, will be one of the most popular holidays at the park. This year, the conservancy is amping up the experience by providing a professional photographer to take free snaps of locals wearing their Sunday best.

The year will crescendo with Brack Bash on November 16. In celebration of the park’s heritage, the festival will bring back some historical activities including paddle boats, pony rides, a vintage car show, and more. And before the finale, Alamo City traditions like Parktoberfest, Family Fish Day, and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival will fill up the calendar.

The happenings coincide with the work of a stakeholder advisory committeeer advisory committee, reconstituted by City Manager Erik Walsh, which maps out the park’s future for the next 125 years. The committee is currently reviewing feedback from community meetings.

“We want to spend this year celebrating the park and everyone who has contributed to the story of this land,” said Brackenridge Park Conservancy board chair Lukin T. Gilliland Jr., via a release. "Just as important, we want to bring San Antonio together to envision Brackenridge Park’s next 125 years.”