New conservancy aims for San Pedro Springs Park upgrades
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The swimming pool at San Pedro Springs Park in 2025. Photo: Megan Stringer/Axios
San Pedro Springs Park, the oldest city park in Texas and one of the oldest in the nation, has a new conservancy that will raise money for upgrades.
Why it matters: The historic park, home to one of San Antonio's most popular public swimming pools, lacks the investment and amenities that other parks receive, conservancy board chair Christina Wright tells Axios.
Context: San Pedro Springs Park received $1.5 million in the city's 2022 bond program. Officials gathered feedback on what to renovate, which culminated in a report of recommendations.
- The project, now set to begin work next summer, includes upgrades to the pool and bathhouse.
State of play: In addition to the pool, the roughly 46-acre park is now home to tennis courts, a library, the San Pedro Playhouse theater, a skate park and more. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What they're saying: The conservancy can fundraise for and "prioritize the projects that are needed to really advance the park from a state that's been neglected to one of actual enjoyment for visitors," Wright says.
- Despite its historic status, San Pedro Springs hasn't received the more "dramatic" city funding that other parks have, Wright adds, pointing to the work at Phil Hardberger and Brackenridge parks (which received $13 million and $7.75 million in the 2017 bond, respectively).
- District 1 Councilmember Sukh Kaur, who represents the area around San Pedro Springs, said the conservancy will be an "independent partner dedicated to supporting the park's future," adding that the city will still invest in infrastructure and improvements.
Zoom in: The San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy is now preparing to request money in the city's 2027 bond — which could be far smaller than the last bond, as the city faces budget shortfalls.
- Wright says the conservancy can fundraise to match potential bond funds. The conservancy hopes to get enough funds to cover new signage for historic features in the park.
Flashback: The springs were integral to the city's early settlement and drew people to the grounds. The park's early uses included military encampments, U.S. Army camel stables and a Confederate prison camp.
- The city then pivoted. The park was built out with ponds, a garden, concession areas, an aviary, a racetrack and more.
- By the 1880s it was home to a natural history museum and a zoo. There was eventually a baseball park.
- The city pool, initially fed by the springs, was built in the 1920s.
What's next: This fall, the conservancy will begin work on a new master plan for the park.