San Antonio's San Pedro Springs Park, the second oldest city park in the United States, is getting some needed updates.
The city is spending $1.8 million to create a perimeter trail with LED lighting, additional signage and monument walls. The improvements were identified by residents in the 2013 Master Plan update.
City Archeologist Kay Hines says the changes will make the park more inviting.
“I think the impact of it for the citizens is one of the larger projects that will have occurred in the park, because I believe the intent is to make it very accessible. And to make it someplace that citizens can come and enjoy it, exercise, and hopefully learn a little bit about the history."
City officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday. The project is scheduled for completion in December.
San Pedro Springs Park, created in 1729, was the site of San Antonio's founding. It's where union soldiers were imprisoned during the Civil War. It's still home to one of the city's first libraries.
State Rep. Diego Bernal pressed for the funding improvements when he was a member of the city council saying the park is an integral part of San Antonio’s history.
“Just like the Alamo we’ve not been treating (the park) the way we should," said Bernal at the groundbreaking.
"It’s ... a gem of the inner city. It acts as a magnet. It brings people here and it keeps people here. There is so much potential,” he said.
