INSIDER
Parkgoers cautious after second body in two weeks found on area walking trails
Read full article: Parkgoers cautious after second body in two weeks found on area walking trailsFor the second time in as many weeks, local law enforcement officers are investigating a suspicious death on a walking trail along the Salado Creek Greenway, prompting some parkgoers to wonder if the city's trails are safe.
Enchanted Rock set for 630-acre expansion; Government Canyon could see growth, too
Read full article: Enchanted Rock set for 630-acre expansion; Government Canyon could see growth, tooEnchanted Rock is set to expand due to a 630-acre land acquisition approved last month by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Free party, resource fair at Hamilton Community Center this Saturday
Read full article: Free party, resource fair at Hamilton Community Center this SaturdaySan Antonio Parks and Recreation is hosting a community party and resource fair at the Hamilton Community Center on the Northeast Side this Saturday.
Person cited for leaving corpses of 2 headless sharks, other marine animals on Padre Island beach, officials say
Read full article: Person cited for leaving corpses of 2 headless sharks, other marine animals on Padre Island beach, officials sayThe remains of two sharks were next to a deceased and mutilated stingray and about 15 mostly intact dead crabs, according to a Facebook post from the Padre Island National Seashore.
San Antonio will soon be home to South Texas’ first Arboretum. Its organizers want your input.
Read full article: San Antonio will soon be home to South Texas’ first Arboretum. Its organizers want your input.Organizers and planners of the forthcoming Arboretum San Antonio want to hear from the community at two input sessions next week.
Parks & Rec inaugural program offers kids lesson in nature, outdoor fun
Read full article: Parks & Rec inaugural program offers kids lesson in nature, outdoor funSome kids had fun paddling a kayak and learning to use a bow and arrow at San Antonio Parks & Recreation’s inaugural program, Aim To Float.
City of Schertz announces $12 million project for parks and recreation enhancement
Read full article: City of Schertz announces $12 million project for parks and recreation enhancementThe City of Schertz and the Schertz Economic Development Corporation announced a $12 million project for two new parks and an enhancement for the Schertz Soccer Complex.
Pavilion at Rosedale Park to be renamed in honor of late San Antonio boxer
Read full article: Pavilion at Rosedale Park to be renamed in honor of late San Antonio boxerSan Antonio City City Council on Thursday unanimously approved the renaming of Rosedale Park’s Pavilion 2 to honor the late San Antonio boxer Robert “Pikin” Quiroga.
Portions of Texas beaches, coastal parks close ahead of tropical storm warnings
Read full article: Portions of Texas beaches, coastal parks close ahead of tropical storm warningsThe National Park Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are asking visitors to stay cautious on beaches and coastal parks this week as a tropical storm develops in the Gulf of Mexico.
Celebrate Earth Day with tree giveaways, educational activities at these San Antonio events
Read full article: Celebrate Earth Day with tree giveaways, educational activities at these San Antonio eventsEarth Day is Monday, April 22, but businesses and organizations around San Antonio will celebrate early with events this weekend.
Celebrate Earth Day with free tree and plant giveaway at Woodlawn Lake Park in San Antonio
Read full article: Celebrate Earth Day with free tree and plant giveaway at Woodlawn Lake Park in San AntonioEarth Day is Monday, April 22 and the City of San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate with a tree and plant giveaway this weekend.
San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department gets four awards at state conference
Read full article: San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department gets four awards at state conferenceThe state recognized San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department with four awards at a park conference last month. The department received the awards at the Texas Recreation and Park Society’s (TRAPS) annual conference in Galveston, including a coveted Texas Gold Medal award.
Explore the wonders of nature through art during free festival in Confluence Park
Read full article: Explore the wonders of nature through art during free festival in Confluence ParkThe San Antonio River Foundation will host Cochineala, a free festival that teaches people about organisms and animals through art, on Saturday.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center hosts inaugural Wellness Weekend
Read full article: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center hosts inaugural Wellness WeekendMitchell Lake Audubon Center is excited to announce its inaugural Wellness Weekend event in collaboration with Live From the Southside, Latino Outdoors, and REACH Peer Support.
San Antonio Parks and Recreation awarded $1.5 million grant for West Side park
Read full article: San Antonio Parks and Recreation awarded $1.5 million grant for West Side parkThe $1.5 million grant will increase the number of outdoor activities available at Cassiano Park, which already has a pool, two playgrounds, a pavilion, picnic sites, a basketball court, and trail.
Bexar County buys former golf course for $4.5 million for 160-acre park
Read full article: Bexar County buys former golf course for $4.5 million for 160-acre parkBexar County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the purchase of nearly 160 acres of land for a new county park on the county’s northeast side.
San Antonio only ‘gold medal’ city in Texas, according to CityHealth’s rankings of public health policy
Read full article: San Antonio only ‘gold medal’ city in Texas, according to CityHealth’s rankings of public health policySan Antonio recently landed a spot on a list of cities praised for their public health policies aimed at assisting marginalized communities, according to data from CityHealth.
Entry to Big Bend, Padre Island National Seashore and other national parks will be free on these days in 2024
Read full article: Entry to Big Bend, Padre Island National Seashore and other national parks will be free on these days in 2024The National Park Service has announced the days when visitors can get into dozens of national parks for free in the new year.
More than 700 trees will be given away at Día del Árbol: Texas Arbor Day Celebration
Read full article: More than 700 trees will be given away at Día del Árbol: Texas Arbor Day CelebrationThe San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will give away more than 700 trees during the Día del Árbol: Texas Arbor Day Celebration.
Portions of Big Bend National Park will be closed in October due to removal of non-native sheep
Read full article: Portions of Big Bend National Park will be closed in October due to removal of non-native sheepThe National Park Service will close sections of the Big Bend National Park in October due to the aerial shootings of non-native aoudad (barbary sheep).
New parks with trails and educational facilities opening along Medina, San Antonio rivers
Read full article: New parks with trails and educational facilities opening along Medina, San Antonio riversThe San Antonio River Authority is opening a 74-acre park in West Bexar County and a 351-acre park in South Bexar County just in time for fall outings.
1.2 million people visited San Antonio Missions last year, spent nearly $100 million in communities
Read full article: 1.2 million people visited San Antonio Missions last year, spent nearly $100 million in communitiesThe San Antonio Missions National Historical Park brought in 1.2 million visitors last year, resulting in millions of dollars benefiting the local economy, a report states.
San Antonio parks seeing string of thefts, vandalism over last few weeks
Read full article: San Antonio parks seeing string of thefts, vandalism over last few weeksA string of thefts and vandalism has hit local parks. In the last several weeks, a 3D model, an interactive microphone, and two plaques have been stolen.
Get outside on the South Side this summer at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Read full article: Get outside on the South Side this summer at Mitchell Lake Audubon CenterMitchell Lake Audubon Center is excited to partner with Live From the Southside magazine to encourage San Antonio residents to get outside on the South Side with up to four free entry tickets per visit for San Antonio residents with discount code SouthsideSummer23, starting July 1 through Aug. 31.
Bexar County parks will be closed Saturday, Sunday due to potential for flash flooding
Read full article: Bexar County parks will be closed Saturday, Sunday due to potential for flash floodingAll Bexar County parks will be closed Saturday and Sunday due to the potential for flash flooding, county officials announced on Friday.
Families wrap up Easter camping at San Antonio parks with holiday traditions
Read full article: Families wrap up Easter camping at San Antonio parks with holiday traditionsAfter camping all weekend long, braving cold temperatures and soggy weather, San Antonians in city parks geared up for a big day of traditional activities and fun for Easter.
Park officials share update on ‘mystery animal’ caught on camera in Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Park officials share update on ‘mystery animal’ caught on camera in Rio Grande ValleyTexas state park officials may have figured out what kind of “mystery creature” was spotted lurking around at night in the Rio Grande Valley area.
‘Mystery animal’ caught on camera wandering around Rio Grande Valley area. Any guesses?
Read full article: ‘Mystery animal’ caught on camera wandering around Rio Grande Valley area. Any guesses?Texas state park officials are scratching their heads, trying to identify a “mystery animal” recently spotted lurking around the Rio Grande Valley area at night.
Nation’s oldest Spanish aqueduct located in San Antonio is getting $290,000 in repairs
Read full article: Nation’s oldest Spanish aqueduct located in San Antonio is getting $290,000 in repairsThe National Park Service announced that the nation’s oldest Spanish aqueduct, which is located in San Antonio, is undergoing much-needed repairs.
Padre Island National Seashore considers changes to beach driving, asks for public input
Read full article: Padre Island National Seashore considers changes to beach driving, asks for public inputThe Padre Island National Seashore is asking for public input on a series of possible changes at the national park, including potentially limiting beach driving.
Free Cinco de Mayo Festival on South Side will benefit Harlandale Education Foundation
Read full article: Free Cinco de Mayo Festival on South Side will benefit Harlandale Education FoundationThe May 7 event will feature a car show and a salsa contest; food trucks, vendors will be on site at Mission County Park
Veteran from South Side running 100 miles on San Antonio trails for autism awareness
Read full article: Veteran from South Side running 100 miles on San Antonio trails for autism awarenessFrank Vasquez is a veteran of the Marines, ultra-runner and motivational speaker. On April 23 and 24, he will be the first person to run 100 miles around San Antonio through the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System for autism awareness.
Easter camping to be allowed at Brackenridge, 8 other San Antonio parks this weekend
Read full article: Easter camping to be allowed at Brackenridge, 8 other San Antonio parks this weekendAfter a two-year ban on Easter camping at San Antonio parks due to COVID-19, authorities have decided to lift the curfew for this weekend.
H-E-B, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation partner for conservation efforts
Read full article: H-E-B, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation partner for conservation effortsSan Antonio-based grocery giant H-E-B has announced that it has partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation on a number of conservation efforts across the Lone Star State.
Vandals break into historic churches at San Antonio Missions, causing ‘considerable damage’
Read full article: Vandals break into historic churches at San Antonio Missions, causing ‘considerable damage’Investigators are seeking help from the public to identify vandals who broke into historic churches at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park earlier this month.
Bloom sculptures of native flowers come to life in San Antonio parks and trails
Read full article: Bloom sculptures of native flowers come to life in San Antonio parks and trailsIf you have walked, run or ridden in some of the San Antonio city parks or trailheads recently, you may have noticed large beautiful sculptures depicting South Texas native flowers.
5 parks around San Antonio to visit this spring
Read full article: 5 parks around San Antonio to visit this springSan Antonio – Spring is here and it is time to get outside, but you don’t have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors. These 5 San Antonio area parks are great spots to enjoy the weather before the summer heat arrives. Brackenridge Park - The park is home to a stretch of the San Antonio River, the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, the San Antonio Zoo, Lambert Beach and Tony “Skipper” Martinez ball fields. Hemisfair Park - Hemisfair is a community with residences, local businesses and three public parks in the heart of San Antonio. To learn more about these parks as well as other parks to visit around the city, head to the San Antonio Parks & Recreation website.
Our Native Daughters bring Black women's voices to forefront
Read full article: Our Native Daughters bring Black women's voices to forefrontThis image released by Smithsonian Channel shows, from left, Rhiannon Giddens, Allison Russell, Leyla McCalla and Amythyst Kiah, of Our Native Daughters, near Parks, La., on Jan. 29, 2018. The group will appear in the documentary "Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters" premiering Monday on Smithsonian Channel. (Terri Fensel/Smithsonian Channel via AP)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Playing a banjo as a Black female artist is a form of activism for the four members of Our Native Daughters. Why does someone assume if you’re Black, you must be doing urban music, whatever that means?” said Russell. “Songs of Our Native Daughters” which came out on the Smithsonian Folkways record label in 2019, focused on the stories of women during the transatlantic slave trade, but also the triumphs of Black women.
San Antonio woman’s mashed potato hack goes viral on Buzzfeed
Read full article: San Antonio woman’s mashed potato hack goes viral on BuzzfeedSAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman has recently started trending on Buzzfeed and TikTok thanks to her clever hack about how she makes mashed potatoes. Jourdyn “Jeaux” Parks shared her mashed potato routine to TikTok on Dec. 30 and gave advice for people who prefer their skin on and off when making squishy spuds. Here’s where her trick comes in though, she only uses about a cup of water to boil the potatoes. The rest is chicken or beef stock, depending on what you’re going to serve your mashed potatoes with. For the full rundown of how Parks makes her potatoes click here.
Best reasons to visit each of the San Antonio Missions
Read full article: Best reasons to visit each of the San Antonio MissionsThe San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was designed to protect and preserve four Spanish frontier missions: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. Here are some really great reasons to check out the San Antonio Missions on the South Side. Mission San José at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Live From the Southside)Mission San Juan CapistranoMission San Juan Capistrano was built in East Texas in 1716 and was later moved to San Antonio in 1731. Mission San José at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Live From the Southside)By bus, VIVA Bus Line 40, also known as the VIVA Missions Route, has stops at all 4 Missions. By taxi, San Antonio Taxi is one of San Antonio’s largest taxi service and Yellow Cab is owned by the Greater San Antonio Transportation Company, San Antonio’s largest taxi service.
Broncos' A.J. Bouye suspended six games for PED violation
Read full article: Broncos' A.J. Bouye suspended six games for PED violationDenver Broncos cornerback A.J. “Yeah, I was disappointed for him,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said about an hour after the league suspended Bouye. Missing the final four games of 2020 will cost Bouye $2.34 million. The suspension would hang over Bouye into 2021 when he’d have to sit out the first two regular-season games. Given the injuries and suspension at cornerback, Parks said he was getting a crash course in the Broncos’ 2020 playbook.
Community groups work to close the green space gap, creating park equality
Read full article: Community groups work to close the green space gap, creating park equalitySAN ANTONIO – Gabriel Gonzales and Natalia Tovar, with St. Timothy COPS Core Team, have helped turn Benavidez Park, which was once crime-ridden, into a thriving community space. Gonzales said the park was used as a meeting spot for nefarious activities before the beautification. Homer Garcia III, director of the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Division, saic parks are used by everyone regardless of income or background. It belongs to everybody,” Garcia said. “Our park system is for everybody, not just a single demographic or single population in San Antonio,” Garcia said.
COVID-19 sheds light on park inequities, importance of investment
Read full article: COVID-19 sheds light on park inequities, importance of investmentSAN ANTONIO – Equitable access to neighborhood parks has received renewed attention after the coronavirus pandemic proved how essential they are for communities. In September, the city of San Antonio reopened amenities at city parks including basketball courts, playgrounds and exercise equipment. Edward Landry and Avian Barry took their three children and dog to Dawson Park as soon as it reopened. This year, San Antonio parks ranked 75 out of 100, according to the Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit that focuses on creating and saving green spaces. The city is committed to equitable access to parks, according to Homer Garcia III, the director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Zimbabwe elephants died from bacterial disease, say experts
Read full article: Zimbabwe elephants died from bacterial disease, say expertsWildlife vets take samples from dead elephants found in Hwange National park, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. (AP Photo)HARARE – Parks authorities in Zimbabwe said Monday that the recent deaths of elephants have been caused by a bacterial disease that has previously affected elephants in Asia and other animals in southern Africa, although more tests will still be carried out. In recent years poachers in Zimbabwe have poisoned dozens of elephants with cyanide and then have taken their ivory tusks to sell them to illegal traders. Not enough information is known about the disease’s effect on local elephants to predict a long-term outcome, he said. “Yes they die, but honestly this is just nothing, a drop in the ocean because we have over 84,000 elephants in Zimbabwe, which is overpopulation already,” he said.
Bexar County parks, Heritage Center set to reopen for public use on Monday
Read full article: Bexar County parks, Heritage Center set to reopen for public use on MondaySAN ANTONIO – Bexar County parks and the Bexar Heritage Center are set to reopen to the public on Monday, Sept. 28, according to the county. The county’s playscapes, basketball and tennis courts, and outdoor pavilions will reopen to the public, the county said in a statement. Betty Bueche, director of Bexar Heritage and Parks, said she was glad residents could once again utilize shared natural areas. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Bexar County parks and our other shared natural areas have served as a place of mental refuge for our residents. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the Bexar Heritage Center as well as social distancing markers.
These Texas and Louisiana state parks are closed due to Hurricane Laura
Read full article: These Texas and Louisiana state parks are closed due to Hurricane LauraSeveral Texas and Louisiana state parks remain closed in the wake of Hurricane Laura which made landfall Thursday morning. According to officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, state parks along the Texas coast and Louisiana border were closed Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Lauras arrival. Several state parks in Louisiana were also closed this week due to Hurricane Laura. pic.twitter.com/pOXHLZNhzt Texas Game Warden (@TexasGameWarden) August 27, 2020The Texas parks that are currently closed due to Hurricane Laura are:Atlanta State ParkBattleship Texas State Historic SiteBrazos Bend State ParkCaddo Lake State ParkGalveston Island State ParkLake Livingston State ParkMartin Creek Lake State ParkMartin Dies, Jr. State ParkSea Rim State ParkSheldon Lake State ParkVillage Creek State ParkFor a full list of state park closures and updates on openings, click here. The Louisiana state parks Instagram page earlier this week announced the closure of:Bistineau State ParkCypremort Point State ParkFairview-Riverside State ParkGrand Isle State ParkNorth Toledo Bend State ParkPalmetto Island State ParkSt. Bernard State ParkSam Houston Jones State ParkSouth Toledo Bend State ParkHurricane Laura made landfall at close to 1 a.m. Thursday morning near Cameron, Louisiana as an extremely dangerous Category 4 Hurricane with sustained winds of 150 mph and gusts up to 185 mph.
San Antonio, Bexar County, River Authority parks closed for Labor Day weekend
Read full article: San Antonio, Bexar County, River Authority parks closed for Labor Day weekendSAN ANTONIO The City of San Antonio is joining Bexar County in closing its parks over Labor Day weekend. Temporarily closing parks encourages the community to stay home, wear face coverings, and practice physical distancing. The San Antonio River Authority announced this week that its parks will be closed including:Confluence Park (310 W. Mitchell St.)Portions of the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River WalkPavilion along the river near Roosevelt ParkConcepcin Portal and adjoining green space near Concepcin ParkPavilion along the river between Theo Ave. and Mission Rd. Pavilion along the river between Mission Rd. SARA encourages people to wear masks and practice social distancing while on the trails.
Phaedra Parks on Directing Rayshard Brooks' Funeral (Exclusive)
Read full article: Phaedra Parks on Directing Rayshard Brooks' Funeral (Exclusive)Rayshard Brooks was laid to rest on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia, and Phaedra Parks is reflecting on what it meant to her to help direct the funeral service. A number of Brooks' family and friends were in attendance, including his wife, Tomika Miller, and a few notable celebrities, T.I. According to Parks, after the funeral, she accompanied his widow to the location where he was killed, and they spoke about his legacy. "As a little girl I really didnt know if I thought racism really existed, until I was hired to do some tutoring for a white family," Parks recalled. RELATED CONTENT:Rayshard Brooks Remembered as a Caring Father During Atlanta FuneralFired Atlanta Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With MurderMeghan McCain Calls for Police Reform Following Rayshard Brooks' DeathBillie Eilish Demands Justice for Rayshard Brooks After His Death
Photos: Christopher Columbus statue at San Antonio park vandalized amid criticism
Read full article: Photos: Christopher Columbus statue at San Antonio park vandalized amid criticismSAN ANTONIO A Christopher Columbus statue at a downtown San Antonio park was found vandalized Thursday morning. Photos show the statue at Columbus Park, located at 500 Columbus St., splashed with red paint. A Christopher Columbus statue at Columbus Park in downtown San Antonio was found vandalized on Thursday, June 25, 2020. (KSAT)During Thursdays meeting, Trevino acknowledged the vandalism that happened overnight and asked the statue be taken down pending a council vote. Last week, he filed a council consideration request, asking that the City Council place the item on the Governance Committees agenda.
Have some ‘reel fun’ close to home at these San Antonio fishing spots
Read full article: Have some ‘reel fun’ close to home at these San Antonio fishing spotsSAN ANTONIO – If you’re looking take a quick trip outdoors, you may want to check out one of these local fishing spots. Even if you aren’t a fan of fishing, some of these fishing destinations also feature hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and camping. Woodlawn Lake ParkLocated at 221 Alexander Avenue, this is one of the most popular fishing spots in San Antonio, according to Yelp users. Elmendorf Lake ParkLocated at 3700 W Commerce Street, Elmendorf Lake Park allows fishing from the bank or a pier overlooking the water. For more information, click here.
1,500 free trees to be given away at annual Pearl event
Read full article: 1,500 free trees to be given away at annual Pearl eventSAN ANTONIO – The annual Jammin’ Jams fruit and nut tree adoption event is coming back to The Pearl. The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department is giving away 1,500 free trees starting at 8 a.m. on Jan. 25. This event is very popular and arbor-enthusiasts wanting a free tree should arrive early. You do not have to be a resident of San Antonio to receive a free tree. 8 Texas treehouses you can rent for the weekendThe Pearl is located at 312 Pearl Parkway in San Antonio.