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News Release San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department Contact: Kelly Irvin/207-6122 Date: Feb. 11, 2009 Date: Feb. 17, 2009 News Release Parks and Recreation Department Contact: Krystal Strong/207-7321 Voelcker Park Phase 1A groundbreaking set Mayor Phil Hardberger and other City officials will celebrate the Voelcker Park Phase 1A construction project initiation with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, in the wooded area near the Max and Minner Voelcker homestead at 1021 Voelcker Lane. Phase 1A of the 311-acre park, which is located on either side of Wurzbach Parkway between N.W. Military Highway and Blanco Road, includes 1.5 miles of trails expected to be open later this year. Other elements of this initial phase include vehicular access off Blanco Road, a parking grove, plantings, picnic facilities, drinking fountains, initiation of an open play field and oak savanna restoration. This phase is projected to cost $2.3 million funded from 2007-2012 Park Bonds and Certificates of Obligation. “The themes of education, sustainability and ecology are beginning to take shape at Voelcker Park,” said Mayor Hardberger, who spearheaded a national juried competition for the park’s master plan. “The seeds planted through the many community meetings and discussions with stakeholders will soon begin to bear fruit.” District 8 Councilwoman Diane Cibrian and District 9 Councilman Louis Rowe are also expected to attend the ceremony, along with Voecker Park Conservancy President Bonnie Conner. Phase 1B will immediately follow completion of the first phase. Funded with existing city funds of $2,428,962 and a $1 million Parks and Wildlife Department grant, it will include the Salado Creek Outdoor Classroom Pavilion, interpretation and trailhead, the Salado Creek Greenway trail connection and the Salado Creek overlook on the northern tract. On the southern 204 acres, improvements will include the Northwest Military access point, a park road, parking, one mile of loop trail with an outdoor education area, a multi-purpose play field, 2.7-acre oak savanna restoration and other amenities. The master plan was completed by the team of Stephen Stimson Associates and D.I.R.T. Studio. The park property was purchased from the Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund in two acquisitions in 2006 and 2007 for a combined cost of approximately $47 million. It includes an original 1800s farmhouse and farm complex. “It’s an exciting time. We’re seeing the community’s vision for this green space begin to be realized,” Mayor Hardberger notes. “What happens in this park in the next few months will benefit generations of San Antonio citizens for many years to come. That is truly gratifying for all of us.” ##
Comments can be sent to kelly.irvin@sanantonio.gov.
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