New Conservancy Launches to Preserve Texas’s Oldest Park

Published on September 24, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (September 24, 2026) – The San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy celebrated its official kick-off event on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, bringing together community members, supporters, and local leaders to mark the launch of the Conservancy’s work and mission to support one of San Antonio’s iconic landmarks. Established in May 2026, the Conservancy was formed to help preserve the history and character of Texas’s oldest municipal park, while stewarding its long-term vitality for the community it has served for nearly 300 years.

The kick-off event, held at San Pedro Springs Park, introduced the Conservancy’s founding board and highlighted its mission and vision for the park’s future –– advocating for renewal, recreation, and learning through nature in an urban setting for all, while maintaining the park’s cultural and historical integrity.

The event, blessed by “Papa Bear” Isaac Cardenas, Spiritual Leader of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation, brought together community leaders, including District 1 Councilmember Sukh Kaur, City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Director Homer Garcia, and VIA Metropolitan Transit President and CEO Jon Gary Herrera.

“San Pedro Springs Park is more than a historic place,” said Christina Wright, Chair of the San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy. “It’s a living part of San Antonio’s story, and with the Conservancy, we have an opportunity to honor what makes it so special while helping ensure it remains a place where people can gather, connect, and experience what makes San Antonio a true destination.”

The founding board of the San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy includes:

• Christina Wright, Chair
• Asia Ciaravino, Vice Chair
• Luis Miguel Martinez, Vice Chair
• Ryan Reed, Secretary
• Doug McMurry, Treasurer
• Hector Cardenas, Director
• Rebecca Comeaux, Director
• Bruce Buescher, Director
• Rob Barnett, Director
• Jacob Berger, Director
• Taylor Allen, Director

For nearly 300 years, San Pedro Springs Park has served the community of San Antonio, with the first record of the springs dating back to 1691. The City of San Antonio took ownership of the park in 1891, and in the decades since, the park has grown to include the San Pedro Springs pool, the Playhouse, and the San Pedro Springs Branch Public Library. Today, that legacy has a new guardian dedicated to ensuring it remains a San Antonio treasure for generations to come. 

For more information about the San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy, visit SPSPConservancy.org or follow along on the Conservancy’s official Instagram page.