Park to get multi-million injection in upgrades

  • 2014-09-25
Elmendorf Lake Park on San Antonio's West Side has been in existence for nearly 100 years, and is now getting some welcome improvements.

The upgrades, which include a wetlands area and an improved swimming pool, will cost approximately $14m. Construction should begin in December and is expected to take about a year.

Perhaps the most important part of the project, which is being funded jointly by the city and county and managed by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), is improving the water quality in Elmendorf Lake, which was created when Apache Creek was dammed. The drive to improve the quality of water in the lake is only part of a bigger undertaking called the Westside Creeks Restoration Project. The goal of this effort is to provide recreational and aesthetic upgrades to several of the creeks, located south of downtown, that flow into the San Antonio River.

Bexar County and SARA have been working together on plans to restore Elmendorf Lake's shoreline and ecosystem, as well as making it easier for users to access the water. San Antonio City is tasked with providing playground equipment, park infrastructure, trails, an adult exercise area, fountains, a better pool, and parking.

Officials working on the project could consult with brochure printers to create a mailer for residents, describing the work, asking them to watch for completion, and then encouraging them to visit the improved park.