![]() The "beautiful, rejuvenated San Pedro Springs" formally re-opened on August 11, 1899. Grass, tropical plants, caladium, and water lilies were added, and driveways and a boat landing were built. The lake was cleaned and its stone walls repaired, the stagnant ponds were filled in, the old pavilion was demolished, and a new bandstand was constructed. However, in 1897, Mayor Bryan Callaghan was elected for a second term and took a great interest in the park’s renovation. This problem was compounded by a nationwide depression that left the City little money to maintain the park. Park conditions deteriorated in the 1890s as spring flow dwindled after San Antonio’s first artesian wells were drilled. In 1885, Gustave Jermy, a Hungarian naturalist, opened the Museum of Natural History, a forerunner of today’s Witte Museum. Like Duerler, Kerbel greatly improved the park, installing fencing, planting trees, and maintaining the lake, ponds, and springs. It was then leased to Frederick Kerbel from 1883 until 1890 when the City assumed its management. When Duerler died in 1874, his son-in-law was unable to maintain the park to the City’s satisfaction. Duerler also built a race track on the site of today’s baseball field, and opened a small zoo. He created five fish ponds west of the lake, planted a flower garden, and constructed a speakers’ stand and exhibition building with ballroom and bar. Duerler agreed to fence the park, plant trees and shrubs, and clean the springs. These intense uses damaged the springs and park, and in 1863, the City Council prohibited military encampments and livestock in the reserve. Sam Houston spoke to a political rally here in 1860, and during the Civil War, prisoners were held in the park. In 1856, the United States Army, experimenting with the use of camels, temporarily stabled the animals in San Pedro Springs Park. In 1852, the City Council officially established a reserve around the springs and then leased the area to John Jacob Duerler who built pavilions where visitors enjoyed food, drink and entertainment. The springs, surrounded by spreading trees, were a virtual oasis for residents and a popular recreational destination. In 1731-34, the Spanish constructed an acequia to carry water to town for irrigation and household use. When the settlement was moved farther south in the 1720s, the springs continued to provide water to the new community. In 1709, Fathers Antonio de San Buenaventura de Olivares and Isidro Felix de Espinosa named the waters "San Pedro springs." Historians agree that San Antonio’s earliest permanent settlement, a presidio and mission, were founded in 1718 near San Pedro springs, though its exact location is unproven. Hunter-gatherers found water, food, and rock to fashion weapons, and Spanish explorers first established their camps here in the late 17th century. People have gathered around the springs and creek that originate here for some 12,000 years. Only one public park in America is older- Boston Common, which dates to 1630. San Pedro Springs Park-San Antonio’s oldest designated park- is located on land reserved for public use by the Spanish government in the 18th century. San Pedro Park Design Article - Design Magazine.San Pedro San Pedro Springs Park Chronology 1954 - 1992.San Pedro Springs Park Chronology 1899 - 1920.San Pedro Springs Park Chronology 1709 - 1860.San Pedro Springs Park Plan After Rehabilitation.San Pedro Springs Park Plan Before Rehabilitation.Master Plan Update Consultant Presentation 05/2013.The cost to rent the gazebo Friday through Sunday, and holidays, is$120 for the first four hours, 4 hour minimum, and $30 an hour for every hour after that.įor rental of the Koger Stokes Softball Complex contact the San Antonio Amateur Softball Association at 210.590.0350. The cost to rent the gazebo Monday through Thursday is $60 for the first four hours and $15 an hour for every hour after that. Learn how to make a reservation.Įlectricity, picnic tables and lighting are not available. Use the links below to view facility details or calendar availability. The following amenities are available for rental. Si necesita asistencia en español para inscribirse en clases o necesita información sobre nuestros programas llame al 21.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |