LOS ANGELES, September 25, 2026 – The ribbon-cutting felt different this time. It was not simply the ceremonial picture. This event could be considered a fulfilled promise. In fact, the San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy held its kick-off on September 23, 2026, on the same grounds it is supposed to take care of.
The organization established in May 2026, was created in order to preserve and maintain the heritage and history of the oldest municipal park in Texas. The mission of the conservancy is clear: renewing, recreating and educating people with the help of nature without losing the historical and cultural aspects of the park.
“San Pedro Springs Park is more than a historic place,” said Christina Wright, chair of the conservancy. “It’s a living part of San Antonio’s story, and with the Conservancy, we have an opportunity to honor what makes it so special while helping ensure it remains a place where people can gather, connect, and experience what makes San Antonio a true destination.”
The ceremony was kicked off with a blessing by “Papa Bear” Isaac Cardenas, who is the spiritual leader of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation, which highlights the rich Indigenous history of the park. Introductions then followed: Sukh Kaur, Councilmember of District 1, Homer Garcia, City Parks and Recreation Director, Jon Gary Herrera, President and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit and more.
Now let us talk about the historical background that will put the event into context. The springs were discovered back in 1691. They became property of the city in 1891. In the course of many years, it has evolved into the park featuring San Pedro Springs Pool, The Playhouse and San Pedro Springs Branch Public Library.
Who’s at the helm? Wright is the chair, with Asia Ciaravino and Luis Miguel Martinez serving as vice chairs. Ryan Reed is the secretary, Doug McMurry is the treasurer, and directors include Hector Cardenas, Rebecca Comeaux, Bruce Buescher, Rob Barnett, Jacob Berger, and Taylor Allen. They’re community advocates and civic leaders in the mold of those who suggest a conservancy will be about much more than planting trees.
And why is this important? A properly managed conservancy doesn’t just plant trees. It raises money. It coordinates volunteers. It demands improved maintenance schedules and programming. It becomes the voice of the park both in the halls of government and in the surrounding community.
No one is under any illusions that this solves everything overnight. The aged infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and struggle between recreation and preservation won’t suddenly evaporate with a new logo. But with an established non-profit that has a mission, the equation is transformed.
For those who visit regularly—the morning walkers, basketball groups, and families using the pool—the hope is that things will be cleaned up, walking trails will be safer, events will increase, and there will be presence when decisions are being made. For historians and preservationists, the mission is to preserve the layers: the indigenous history, the Spanish colonial past, the playhouse, the library, the pool itself.
The conservancy’s website and Instagram accounts will be used for updates, volunteers, and donors – this makes perfect sense for an organization that wants to get going fast. All media contacts are being directed through District 1, and Sarah Martinez is listed as the contact person.
What’s coming next then? Listening sessions; wish lists for capital improvements; grant applications and donor campaigns. And if the plan works, you can expect the park to be better cared for, because that’ll be part of someone’s job description now.
