San Antonio's Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair has been named one of the nation's top 10 best public playgrounds by USA Today. The whimsical playscape was part of the publication's annual 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, a rolling program honoring everything from restaurants to theme parks.

The popular attraction came in at No. 7 on the list and was the only Texas playground to be cited. The publication's writers praised its "modern take on playground design" and native plant landscaping.

Via a news release, Hemisfair Interim CEO Melissa Robinson said, "This honor reaffirms that we are on track to reaching our aspirational goal of creating one of the world's great public places."

Open to the public since 2015, Yanaguana Garden has become internationally known for its artistic vision. The Union Pacific Railroad splash pad is especially beloved by local youth in the blistering summers.

The park team used the occasion of the national accolade to launch its search for the splash pad's next kid mayor. Applications will be accepted online now until May 5. The winner will be inaugurated at Super Fun Saturday on May 17.

The splashy politician will receive grade school bragging rights and a prize package that includes free parking vouchers, Magik Theatre tickets, gift cards, and a swag bag.

Many other 10Best categories have yet to be decided, but at least one other local landmark made it to the 2025 list. The San Antonio River Walk got a nod as the No. 10 best river walk in the United States — a slight snub considering it invented the concept.