A one-of-a-kind nature playscape with slides and water features is swinging forward at Brackenridge Park. The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) approved the Brackenridge Park Conservancy (BRC) project on October 1, after hearing backlash from some residents who shared concern about tree loss and bird habitat disruption.

While approved, the decision was narrowly passed at 5-4, as the BRC plans to relocate nine heritage trees from the two-acre site and 11 others from the park, as well as build a bridge and water feature area. Here's what we know so far about the playscape:

BRC announced its plans to build an interactive, nature-based, and inclusive playscape last year. The proposed nature playscape will be located along Joske Pavilion Trail, to the immediate south of the Lambert Beach Softball field.

The proposed project will feature the following elements: picnic nodes, an indigenous camp, an acequia channel, a log tangle, a boardwalk, a water channel, an archaeological dig site, a sliding hill, a hillside amphitheater, cabins, monkey bars, log steppers, a swing rope, and other elements, such as log towers. The playscape will also feature a restroom structure and bridge spanning the San Antonio River, according to city documents.

Since August 2024, the conservancy said it has been hosting community input meetings and pop-ups to receive feedback. In December, the conservancy revealed its design after reviewing the feedback from the community and nearly 200 digital survey responses.

The playscape is being funded through a combination of private donations, grants and public partnerships, including $3 million in support from the city's Midtown TIRZ, according to Chris Maitre, BPC's CEO.

At the meeting, about four speakers voiced their concerns about the playscape. Ellen Patterson noted one of the main features of the park that draws her and other members of the public to this natural area is the large shade-bearing heritage trees that line the San Antonio River.

"The project would result in roots being cut of heritage trees for the foundation of the sidewalk and other features of the playscape. This would weaken the trees that have been here for hundreds of years and render them vulnerable to decay and pests," Patterson said. "So rather than killing or weakening these natural sources of shade and erosion protection in order to build something artificial that would require a great deal of expense and maintenance and has limited usefulness, we can preserve our trees."

Others shared their concerns about the splash pad not being maintained and cleaned properly, as well as the construction of the playscape affecting bird migration within the park.

Gabriel Velasquez, the District 3 representative on HDRC, voiced how he doesn't believe the water feature enhances the park. He stressed how Brackenridge Park is a great amenity, as it is due to its natural elements. Others wanted more information on the process of relocating the trees and the digging process. However, James Cervantes, District 8 representative, said he believes the playscape could be good for the community and supported the project.

Maitre stressed to the HDRC that the conservancy is not removing any trees but relocating about 20 of them. He also told MySA the conservancy is making a significant $762,000 investment in the landscape, which includes the addition of 94 new native trees within the two-acre site, along with a reclaimed-water irrigation system from SAWS.

"These improvements will support both the existing and new plantings, ensuring that the area's tree canopy remains healthy for generations to come," Maitre said. "All trees, shrubs, and groundcover will feature native Texas species, reinforcing the park's biodiversity and long-term ecological health. The Conservancy continues to work closely with environmental and landscape experts to uphold best practices for urban tree protection and sustainability."

At the meeting, Maitre said the city's parks and recreation department will be maintaining the water feature. He said the team is capable of swapping up pumps, motors, heavy engineering and understands the chlorination system. He added that the team believes they will have a robust chlorination and sanitization system.

With HDRC approval, the conservancy will now move into the next phase of detailed design, permitting and implementation, according to Maitre. This includes archaeological investigations to preserve and ensure that the project proceeds with care and respect for Brackenridge Park's cultural significance.

"The Conservancy will continue working closely with community partners, environmental experts, and City staff to deliver a responsible and inclusive project," Maitre stated.