San Antonio's new central park, Civic Park at Hemisfair, broke ground on Wednesday. The project is poised to become a one-of-a-kind city fixture after its first phase is completed in about 18 months.
"When the community came together in 2012 to envision the master plan for the Hemisfair redevelopment, they could not have foreseen a global crisis that would impact the way we gather for Fiesta and other major celebrations," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, adding that urban green spaces have become more essential to mental well-being, physical health and connection between residents.
The city of San Antonio's Public Works Department contracted with Skanska USA Building Inc. to develop and build the first phase of the $27 million project, which includes 5 acres of public parkland, a shallow water feature, a shaded promenade and a lawn that can host events and concerts for up to 15,000 people. Civic Park will also offer free public Wi-Fi to increase community broadband access and an expanded public restroom with universal changing stations to accommodate those with special needs.
Matt McCaffrey, Skanska vice president, said the city had solicited submissions and Skanska competed for the contract based on metrics like value, qualifications and price.
"We're working on the City Tower project with the city of San Antonio and have developed a good relationship with the city," he said.
Construction will begin in the next few weeks, and the hope is that by fall 2023 it will be open to the public, McCaffrey added.
"When we build something, we typically hand the keys over and they use it for its own purposes," McCaffrey noted. "(But) this is something that helps San Antonio residents. Our team lives here and works here. We're going to get to actually use it as residents of San Antonio and enjoy it, so our team is very excited about being part of it."
Philanthropic contributions in addition to public and private funding have funded Phase I, including a seven-figure gift from the Mays Family Foundation for the Peggy Mays Garden.
The future of the park will be made possible by the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Community Bond Committee, which recommended $18 million in the 2022 municipal bond for the construction of Phase II.
The second phase will add a plaza entrance by the Torch of Friendship downtown, a terrace to use for community performances and another plaza at the river level of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
If approved, Phase II is likely to be completed by late 2024, with the NCAA Men's Final Four celebrations taking place at Civic Park in early 2025.
