New Park Master Plans

Trueheart Ranch Master Plan

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

*NOW OPEN*
  • 2021: Public Input, Master Plan, Graphics, and Cost Analysis
  • Completion Dates: Prop. 6/22
  • Prime Consultant: Terra Design Group, Inc.
  • Project Manager: Marc Zak
  • Project Principal / Landscape Architect: Walter Heard
  • Project Owner: San Antonio River Authority
  • Owner’s Day-to-Day Representative: Kristen Hansen

Trueheart Ranch Nature Park contains 351 acres of pecan orchards, livestock grazing and riparian woodland that fronts on the San Antonio River. The property was purchased by James and Petra Trueheart and developed in 1848 for agricultural and irrigation purposes. The Trueheart’s constructed a two-story house of rock and stucco and they referred to it as “Casa Vieja” [“Old House”]. This house still remains in restored condition on the site. The master plan calls for this house to become the center of all activities proposed for the site.

This master planning effort is the first step toward a comprehensive long-range visioning process to identify areas for preservation, restoration, interpretation, and recreation preserving as much of the site as possible. The planning process began with identifying and meeting with stakeholders that currently use the park and access the river. Discussions with the stakeholders provided the planning team with great insight to the character of the site. Two alternative concepts were developed utilizing a workshop process to establish priorities, develop concepts, and build consensus. These plans were presented at a public meeting and ranking was developed for features to be included in the master plan and also to set priorities for the future development of these features.

Activities include the following:

Hendrick Arnold Nature Park

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

*NOW OPEN*

  • 2021: Public Input, Master Plan, Graphics, and Cost Analysis

  • Completion Dates: Prop. 9/21 | Actual 9/21

  • Prime Consultant: Terra Design Group, Inc. 

  • Project Manager: Marc Zak

  • Project Principal / Landscape Architect: Walter Heard

  • Project Owner’s Name and Name of Representative: Owner – San Antonio River Authority, Owner’s Day-to-Day Representative – Kristen Hansen

Manns Crossing Park contains 88 total acres, 31 acres of nonoperational mining and 57 acres riparian woodland that fronts on the Medina River. The park site was the location of the Ron Pucek’s Living Waters Catfish Farm that was closed in 2000 when the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) purchased the property. In 2013 the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) acquired the property with plans to develop it as a recreational and educational park. 

The planning process began with identifying and meeting with stakeholders that currently use the park and access the river. The Southeast Independent School District was also included in these conversation because of the location of their administrative and school campus adjacent to the north side of the park. These groups helped identify the various recreational and educational opportunities the development of the park could provide.  Three alternative plans were developed utilizing a workshop process to establish priorities, refine concepts, and build consensus. From this process ideas for the three master plan concepts were brought together as the preferred Mann’s Crossing Park Master Plan. The following is a list of the preferred facilities that are included in the park plan.

Activities will include the following:

Espada Property Master Plan

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

  • Currently undergoing Public Input, Master Planning, Graphics and Cost Analysis
  • Completion date: 6/23
  • Prime Consultant: Dunaway
  • Project Manager: Bryan Mask
  • Project Principal / Landscape Architect: Bryan Mask
  • Owner: San Antonio River Authority and Texas A&M University – San Antonio
  • Owner’s Day-to-Day Representative: Chris Giambernardi

The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) and Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) will be working together on a recreational and environmental collaboration along the historic San Antonio River. The property, known as the Espada Tract or Property, is located on 380 acres of land on the South Side of San Antonio.

The property, located south of Mission Espada, was donated to the River Authority and A&M-SA by The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price apparel, and home fashions retailer in the U.S. and worldwide, after acquiring acreage for a T.J. Maxx Distribution Center on the South Side of San Antonio. TJX committed to donating 15 to 20 acres of land to the Southside Independent School District for construction of a school, as well as the donation of the Espada Property.

The Espada Property protects the scenic open space views along 2.2 miles of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, including 1.6 miles along the San Antonio River, surrounding 40-acres around Cassin Lake. This trail system plays a significant role in linking the Median River Greenway System to the San Antonio River Walk and Mission Reach trails, which allow the community to hike or bike from Brackenridge Park to Medina River Natural Area.

The partnership allows for the character of the area to remain, and a chance to restore the area with native shrubland and riparian bottomland forest areas throughout the property, which serve as refuge for resident and migratory wildlife. Plans for the property will be introduced through a master planning process, managed by Dunaway, which will include input from the community.

Proposed plans include a learning center managed by A&M-SA, which will provide an outdoor nature and biology research opportunity for faculty and students. The River Authority will handle operation and maintenance of the property, including Espada dam and Cassin Lake. Inclusion of park amenities will also be considered and developed through the master planning process

This project is currently undergoing public input, master planning, and cost analysis.

Mann's Crossing Bicycle Park Master Plan

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

  • 2021: Public Input, Master Plan, Graphics, and Cost Analysis
  • Completion Dates: Prop. 10/8 • Actual 10/8
  • Prime Consultant: Terra Design Group, Inc.
  • Project Manager: Marc Zak
  • Project Principal / Landscape Architect: Walter Heard
  • Project Owner’s Name and Name of Representative:
  • Owner: San Antonio River Authority
  • Owner’s Day-to-Day Representative: Kristen Hansen

Manns Crossing Park contains 88 total acres, 31 acres of nonoperational mining and 57 acres riparian woodland that fronts on the Medina River. The park site was the location of the Ron Pucek’s Living Waters Catfish Farm that was closed in 2000 when the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) purchased the property. In 2013 the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) acquired the property with plans to develop it as a recreational and educational park. 

The planning process began with identifying and meeting with stakeholders that currently use the park and access the river. The Southeast Independent School District was also included in these conversation because of the location of their administrative and school campus adjacent to the north side of the park. These groups helped identify the various recreational and educational opportunities the development of the park could provide.  Three alternative plans were developed utilizing a workshop process to establish priorities, refine concepts, and build consensus. From this process ideas for the three master plan concepts were brought together as the preferred Mann’s Crossing Park Master Plan. The following is a list of the preferred facilities that are included in the park plan.

Activities will include the following:

Questions?

We would like to hear from you. Please complete the form below to send any questions or feedback about any of the available park master plans. Simply select which park you would like to submit a question for OR select all options for general questions.

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. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing materials from: San Antonio River Authority, 100 East Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.