Pearsall Park

“Wickiup Encampment” and “Wickiup Overlook” were created by nationally-recognized public artist Buster Simpson. Commissioned by the City’s Department for Culture & Creative Development, Simpson is recognized for his impact on environmental, sustainable public art projects.

Wickiup refers to a primitive domed structure historically associated with Native Americans of the Southwest. Simpson’s modern take on a Wickiup includes two sites, three metal domes, metal mesh, and geometric benches providing shade and a place to rest that honors the historical presence of indigenous peoples and their light footprint on the land.

The installations include features made out of local Texas limestone and red granite, and provide scenic views of Pearsall Park, nearby Lackland Air Force Base and the city’s downtown in the distance.

• Reinforced lawn area
• Event Stage Space
• Terrain play area: Located on the central berm lawn.
• Forty-yard Sprint Timer: One of the first of the nation!
• Zip Line
• Four pull-up bars
• Traveling rings
• One shade canopy workout area
• Limestone seating and step-up

Water/Energy Conservation

• Native/Low-Water Use Plants (Reduced Water Use) - Drip Irrigation in Planting Beds (Reduced Water Use)
• Soil Amendments & Mulch (Reduced Water Use) - Installed LED Lighting (Reduced Energy Use)

Construction Material Reuse

• Reused two (2) metal arbors from Convention Center Expansion Demolition
• Over 120,000 cubic yards of excavated material reused from other projects (reduces truck hauling/fuel usage
  and provides free fill for Pearsall Park)

Recycle Material Components

• Shredded mulch left on-site for composting in place
• Concrete from site clearing
• 17 tons of metal construction debris from site clearing
• Rubber safety surfacing at playground and sprint timer (100% recycled rubber)
• Mulch/soil amendments are recycled brush and wood
• SAWS-recycled water used for landscape irrigation