San Antonio has a new, one-of-a-kind linear park in the western-edge of downtown. The first segment of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park officially debuted with a grand opening celebration this past weekend. The full-day event included family-friendly activities such as live music, arts and crafts, local food, and an illumination ceremony in the evening. Congratulations to Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority, and the City of San Antonio on this wonderful addition to our City.
The goal of the project is to combine purpose with beauty, by weaving public art and architectural design into historic preservation, flood control, water quality, and ecosystem restoration. By increasing the depth and width of the existing channel, the project will remove 30 acres from the 100-year flood plain, safely conveying floodwaters within the San Pedro Creek banks.
The first segment – which stretches from the flood tunnel inlet at N. Santa Rosa Street near Fox Tech High School to Houston Street - features four tile murals designed by prominent San Antonio artists – Adriana Garcia, Katie Pell, Alex Rubio, and Joe Lopez. The project offers San Antonians and visitors the opportunity to connect to the city’s vibrant history and culture.
The Culture Park will encompass a total of four phases, with three segments in the first phase. The second segment, which spans from Houston Street to Nueva Street is currently under construction. When the four phases are completed, the San Pedro Creek Culture Park will span 2.2 miles through downtown.
The Chamber has been tracking the project from the very beginning, taking tours of the site during construction as well as hosting the San Antonio River Authority at the Chamber’s Water Committee to provide updates. “The grand opening of the first segment of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park is a culmination of Bexar County’s vision for a project that blends nature, art, and culture to create an unique park destination and economic catalyst on the western edge of downtown” said Suzanne Scott, General Manager for the San Antonio River Authority and the Chamber’s 2017 Public Policy Chair.
