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Mateo Camargo Park
5738 Castroville
In 1927, the City needed material to pave its expanding street system and acquired a
gravel pit on the west side of town. The pit was managed by Commissioner of Streets and
Parks, Paul Steffler, who preserved a stand of large live oak trees on the site. The
shaded area became a gathering place for workers and area residents and soon, church
groups and politicians were requesting use of the "park" for their social and
political functions.
The park came to be called "Pablo’s Grove," presumably named for Paul
(Pablo) Steffler. In 1942, tables were installed for the growing number of picnickers, and
in later years, playground equipment, a patio and pavilion were added to the park.
Following the death of local radio personality Mateo Camargo in 1982, a committee was
formed to improve Pablo’s Grove and rename it in Camargo’s honor. Camargo was
born in Mexico in 1925, studied piano and radio technology, and in the early 1950s was
employed by KCOR, San Antonio’s Spanish language radio station. He was a popular
broadcaster who showcased the music of Latin America along with news of area politics and
civic activities. Camargo and his wife Belia also performed with their popular dance band.
Camargo Park, still popular among residents, will be renovated using 1994 Quality of
Life bond issue funds. A new playground, lighting, kitchen renovations, and handicap
accessibility and parking improvements are scheduled for completion in Fall 1999. |