Pytel Park, originally known as South New Braunfels Park, emerged through a partnership between public and private sectors. In 1993, Boyce H. Gaskin and NTL Land Holdings generously donated 34.48 acres of land for the park. The following year, the City received a $340,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to facilitate its development.
On July 31, 1994, Paul M. Pytel became the first San Antonio Park Ranger to die in the line of duty. Pytel was 29 years old when he died while pursuing a fleeing suspect. He was a graduate of Burbank High School, a nine-year veteran of the Parks Department, served in the Department’s Honor Guard and was a field training officer and Bike Patrol officer.
On May 14, 1996, the park was officially named in honor of Pytel, recognizing his lifelong commitment to ensuring the safety of San Antonio's citizens in parks.