Wind gusts whipped the cables and construction platforms suspended from a high-rise tower under construction on Tuesday morning as officials on the ground cut the official ribbon on the newly completed Civic Park.
Six-year-old Rockwell Johnson scampered about on the lawn and steps during the ceremony, indifferent to the blustery breezes and excited to be there.
The park, he said, is “amazing,” after intently watching officials cut the blue ribbon on the second phase of Civic Park, the latest section of Hemisfair to be complete.
While the 9-acre park is surrounded on two sides by active and proposed building sites and road construction on Alamo Street, the gathering space at the northwest corner of Hemisfair is completed and now open.
The new park space features Source Plaza, the Promenade, Zócalo and a performance stage.
On Tuesday, families and downtown workers, tourists and cyclists were making their way from Market Street down the path that winds through Civic Park and to Yanaguana Garden and the Tower of the Americas beyond.
Groups of exuberant students from Sabinal Elementary School walked together in a disorganized line to the springs, while other school groups ate their lunches beneath the sycamore trees on the path.
“We now have a park that is more than just a green space,” said Alli Kustoff, Hemisfair Conservancy board member. “It is a welcoming environment where San Antonians can gather for festivals,” including Muertos Fest, Jazz’SALive and La Semana Alegre.
“Civic Park stands as proof that when we invest in our people, we invest in our spaces, in connection and in the legacy of our city,” she added.
The $28 million urban park project was completed just ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four event set to bring thousands to the city in early April, with concerts slated for the new performance stage.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg acknowledged that the park “has been through a lot,” over the years, but said he can’t wait to see the park come alive with music, laughter and celebration.
“And I certainly can’t wait for the Final Four that’s going to be here in a couple of weeks,” he said. “San Antonio, this is your park. Let’s make memories here. Let’s take pride in what we’ve built together and let’s continue shaping the city that’s connected, inclusive and forward-thinking.”
Completing the park is a milestone ahead of a proposal that could bring massive changes to the urban core in the way of a new Spurs arena anchoring a sports and entertainment district. “This work that we’ve done collectively here is the foundation of the park, and there are a lot of big things to come in this area,” said City Manager Erik Walsh.
Those plans will bring even more opportunities for connection and growth, said Andres Andujar, who will retire in April after 14 years as president and CEO of Hemisfair.
“Hemisfair is now a world-class destination, and I have no doubt its future is bright,” he said. “Enjoy the space. It’s the place where San Antonio meets. Viva Civic Park!”
For young Johnson, the park is cool because his dad Ty Johnson, a superintendent with Skanska general contractors, helped build it. Then there’s also his favorite thing about Civic Park: “the green part and the water part.”
