What was once an unremarkable ditch is now a vibrant hub for recreation, culture, and community events. After almost a decade of restoration, San Antonio’s San Pedro Creek Culture Park will celebrate its completion on Thursday, May 15.

Started in 2016, the project adds native landscaping, over two miles of trails, flood mitigation features, and new public art. The reinvigorated area now spans from South Alamo Street near Ruby City to Interstate 35 and Lone Star Boulevard.

The free-flowing waterway was crucial to the indigenous Payaya people long before San Antonio was founded. Spanish colonialists stumbled on San Pedro Creek 309 years ago, leading to the creation of the city.

In recent years, it has been little more than an afterthought. Rampant flooding in the ‘30s led city planners to inelegantly line the creek with concrete. Although the solution swiftly jetted water away from downtown, it robbed the streambanks of their natural beauty.

Mark Reigelman's "Falling Water" keeps flooding at bay.Photo courtesy of San Antonio River Authority.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park was divided into four phases, which included widening the channel, adding paths and amenities, and building bioswales — shallow ditches to manage stormwater runoff. The May 15 commemoration marks the end of Phase Three, which was completed out of order due to some construction challenges.

The park also has six splashy public artworks honoring the creek’s history and ecology. Diana Kersey’s "Pedro Antonio," a ceramic crayfish, welcomes visitors to the park. Elizabeth Carrington’s "Spirit of San Pedro Creek" evokes papel picado. And the towering "Falling Water" from Mark Reigelman filters water from a giant hand.

The grand finale celebration for the San Pedro Culture Creek Park will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 5–9pm. The festivities will include treats from local food trucks, live music, and a screening of the Disney hit "Encanto."

Diana Kersey’s "Pedro Antonio" greets guests of the park.Photo courtesy of San Antonio River Authority.