Written by AAMN Wendy Drezek for and with The Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy.

Permissions obtained for all photos. Photo on Left/Top by COSA Naturalist Educator Susan Campbell; photo in Center and on Right/Bottom courtesy of Amy Lane from the archives of The Phil Hardberger Conservancy.

      

The Development and Vision of Phil Hardberger Park

The voters of San Antonio approved a bond issue to purchase land for the park in 2007, with the master plan approved by the City Council the next year. Think of the development of Phil Hardberger Park as encompassing four stages. First came the dream and the passion—the dream of a wilderness in the midst of the city and the passion to make this place a unique setting that would blend care for the environment, respect for culture and history, availability to all abilities and ages, and a landscape for teaching and learning. Second were the necessary studies—historical, hydrological, geological, and environmental—to best preserve and restore all that was valuable in this special place. Third, community input was sought in a series of meetings to gather information on possible facilities, activities and purposes for the park. Fourth, a master plan was developed by Stephen Stimson Associates and D.I.R.T. Studio incorporating all of these layers of information. Thus, this vision of the park incorporates respect for the environment and ecosystems (as shaped by the history and culture of the area) and facilitates learning. The thoughtful design and appropriate use of space reflect appreciation for both the land and the learning. In the process, city staff, volunteers of the Phil Hardberger Conservancy, local neighborhood groups, and the Alamo Area Master Naturalists have worked cooperatively to optimize the programs and development of the park.

The Mission of the Park

The mission of the park is to demonstrate that resources can be respected, restored, and renewed, rather than extracted and exhausted. The park is designed to support a rich and diverse ecology as a place for healthy and active people. At the same time, this coexistence of landscape and recreation models a respect and concern for the environment and its inhabitants. The design of Phil Hardberger Park celebrates the city’s ecological and cultural heritage and cherished South Texas identity for citizens and visitors. Phil Hardberger Park is a “learning landscape,” not only of the ecology, culture and history of the area, but of exemplary environmental and “green” stewardship of the land and its resources.

The Places in the Park

The mission of the park is reflected in its facilities, spatial design, multiple uses and activities. The park includes several structures:

• The Urban Ecology Center will be a regional educational resource for teaching about the natural treasures of the area,
• the Heritage Homestead models the agrarian heritage of South Texas,
• the Outdoor Classroom highlights our focus on learning and utilizes green construction elements.

Phil Hardberger Park is also home to dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, multi-purpose fields. Eventually, it will include a bridge to connect the two sides of the park. Trails are laid out to mirror natural wildlife paths with sightlines connecting all trails. The park is accessible to all abilities and age groups. Landscape “rooms” highlight various forms of vegetation and create peaceful places for contemplating nature. The recreation in the park centers on exploring, experiencing, and adventuring into the natural environment and encouraging healthy exercise and natural activity.

The Activities in the Park

Park trails provide exercise as well as education. First Saturdays, sponsored by the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, include family learning activities as well as special events. Fourth Saturdays, sponsored by the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, include family learning activities and the Seasonal Oak Loop Walks. Fitness groups and environmental groups lead activities in the park. Special events have included Farm to Fork food fairs, May groundbreaking and dedication celebrations and Savanna Restoration plantings, as well as Weed Wednesday and volunteer activities to enhance and improve the park.

The Dream

So we return to the dream—an urban wild place, an untamed wilderness, existing in the midst of vibrant urban surroundings. Phil Hardberger Park is a living example of the mutually beneficial relationship between a precious ecological treasure and citizen environmentalists.

   

Photo on Left/Top by Wendy Drezek; photo on Right/Bottom courtesy of Amy Lane from the archives of the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy.