Explore the newly completed sections of San Pedro Creek Culture Park

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Large metal art pieces

Last Updated on February 13, 2024

A year after celebrating the opening of Phases 1.2 and 1.3, Bexar County and the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) are excited to announce the opening of the following completed San Pedro Creek Culture Park sections: Phases 2 and 4.1. As of October 1, Phases 2 and 4.1 of the Culture Park (the sections of the Creek between El Paso and South Alamo Streets) are open for the public to enjoy. Though just under half a mile, this short section of the Creek is packed with adventure.

The remaining sections are set to open Summer 2024. Make sure to stay tuned for when the Celebration of the project completion will happen!

This multi-phased joint project— a collaboration between Bexar County, the River Authority, and the City of San Antonio— is transforming San Pedro Creek into a world-class linear park. The San Pedro Creek Culture Park (Culture Park) embodies the River Authority’s goal of providing safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers by reducing the flood plain of the San Pedro Creek while incorporating best practices to ensure high water quality, maintain healthy ecosystems, and create recreation opportunities for park visitors. Keep reading as we share what you can see now at the Culture Park and what’s yet to come!

San Pedro Creek Construction Phased map

WHAT TO EXPECT

First things first, convenience is key! With a new dedicated parking lot off El Paso Street that functions as a trailhead, as well as VIA routes and bike lanes along Main Street and South Flores, your journey to this fascinating linear park will be a breeze.

Trailhead marker on San Pedro Creek Culture Park.

Parking area off El Paso Street

Phase 2 showcases the nature of the park with native plants and trees. Starting at Guadalupe Street, you will encounter tile work, poetry art, and a developed shade structure. On either side of the shade structure, you will have stunning views north and south of the Creek. Phase 4.1 starts with the El Paso Trailhead (artwork at the trailhead will soon be installed), decorative metal screens, and more tile work. “The hard work that has gone into these two phases will serve as important additions to the San Pedro Creek Culture Park itself, furthering the investment in history, art, and nature that is indigenous to this part of our beloved city of San Antonio,” said Derek Boese, the River Authority’s General Manager.As you walk north to south along this new section, you’ll notice the Creek becoming more naturalistic, transitioning from Downtown’s heavily urbanized portions to a more natural landscape that blends into the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project and the San Antonio Riverwalk Mission Reach.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that from Cesar Chavez Blvd. to El Paso St., the Creek goes underground. The trail detours, guiding visitors east to walk along South Flores Street. There are wayfinding signs in both directions to find your way back to the daylighted Creek.

The San Pedro Creek Culture Park is a thriving ecosystem teeming with native flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful birds, curious turtles, and the occasional friendly fish. Want to learn more? Read the interpretive panels lining the paseos!

Egret on the creek.

Snowy Egret near Guadalupe Street

Nature calls, and this park has you covered! Clean and accessible public restrooms are situated near Ruby City at street level along South Alamo Street. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or on an art adventure, these facilities are a welcome sight.

ARTISTS ALONG THE CREEK

Meandering along the Creek’s edge of the new phases, you’ll encounter the works of several local artists. Each piece tells a unique story inspired by San Pedro Creek’s rich history and nature. Check out some of these new artworks below!

Graphic cutouts on colorful metal.

Designs by Elizabeth Carrington

Painted flowers on tiles.

Designs by Leticia Huerta

Poetry etched on stone.

Poetry by Eddie Vega

Need a break? Take a rest under the canopy at Mustard Seed Plaza. Titled A Place of Origins by Rikkianne Van Kirk, this functional art highlights the avian wildlife you may see while visiting the Culture Park.

Mustard Seed Plaza Canopy rendering

Mustard Seed Plaza

Speaking of art, you ‘can’t miss Ruby City! A true architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, the art center sits on the banks of the San Pedro Creek. Free and open to the public, we invite you to discover its extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary works while visiting the Culture Park.

Ruby City

Ruby City’s reflection in the Creek’s waters

LOOKING FORWARD

Still to come are artworks by Diana Kersey and Mark Reigelman and more poetry by Eddie Vega. With the final section, phase 3 (South Alamo Street to the confluence with Apache Creek), expected to be complete in the coming months, the full opening of the southern section of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park is anticipated the Summer of 2024. Once finished, all four phases of San Pedro Creek will span just over two miles through downtown. Stay tuned to our social media and website, where we will share more detailed announcements leading to the next Grand Opening Ceremony in the Summer of 2024. We can’t wait for you to join us at the celebration!

In the meantime, take a sneak peek. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this park has something for everyone. So, pack your sense of adventure and check out what’s new!

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Alerts

Maintenance Notice – Museum Reach Trail

Maintenance will be occurring on Wednesday, December 4th, 7am-6pm on F.I.S.H. The trails will remain open, please proceed with caution when crossing beneath IH35. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our public spaces!

Stem Density Efforts

**Update: Trails are open all this week. Thank you for your patience and stay safe!

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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