Date: March 29, 2006
Contact: Kelly Irvin/207-3075

Stone Oak Park to join City’s list
of new parks to open

The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department invites citizens to join city officials in celebrating the opening of the second new park in a week’s time, Stone Oak Park, 20395 Stone Oak Parkway, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1.

Stone Oak follows Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, on the City’s northwest side, which officially opened March 25.

Both parks focus on providing hiking in a natural setting without intruding on the wildlife and endangered species that make the area their home.

“Stone Oak has minimal amenities with a small trail head and trails in areas that are not going to interrupt the ecology,” says Project Manager Jamaal Moreno. “That includes the cave dwelling endangered invertebrates that are found within this property.”

Stone Oak was originally funded for $500,000 from the 1999 Bond Program to acquire and develop parkland in City Council District 9. Phase I of the 245-acre park includes a trail head, multi-use trail system, cave protection, interpretive signage, an entrance drive and parking area. The first phase of improvements was funded with the remaining park bonds and a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant of $100,000.

District 9 Councilman Kevin Wolff is scheduled to attend the dedication ceremony, which will be followed by a guided hike. Hikers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and attire.

Phase II is expected to get underway this summer. It will include a second entry point and parking lot with trail heads, multi-use trails, activity areas such as exercise stations, and a natural playground, outdoor classrooms and interpretive features to complement and connect to adjacent education facilities.

The budget for the second phase, which will be located on the other side of Stone Oak Parkway, is $795,225 funded from Park Bonds and Unified Development Code fees.

A portion of the property was donated in 2000 with the remainder purchased with assistance from the San Antonio Water System.

Comments can be sent to kirvin@sanantonio.gov.