Hemisfair is pleased to announce the completion of phase 2 of Civic Park, which will open to the public next month. This section marks the final phase of Civic Park, completing the public improvements in Hemisfair’s Western Zone. The new section of Civic Park will connect Hemisfair with one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the city where Alamo Street and Market Street cross, welcoming guests to take part in all of the district’s offerings such as local restaurants, peaceful scenery and plenty of free programming.
The new section of the park is a continuation of Hemisfair’s vision for a green and active urban neighborhood for San Antonio. Civic Park Phase 2 will feature four main spaces: Source Plaza, the Promenade, the Zócalo and the Stage.
“We are thrilled to have completed Civic Park in its entirety,” said Hemisfair CEO Andres Andujar. “Civic Park serves as San Antonio’s front porch, a gathering place for the city’s biggest celebrations for generations to come. As a vibrant centerpiece of downtown, it will bring people together, foster community connections and create lasting memories for residents and visitors alike.”
Source Plaza will act as the entrance to Civic Park from downtown San Antonio. The plaza is a combination of hardscape and landscape with limestone seat walls, shaded terraces and beautiful native plantings that make it a welcoming and comfortable place for everyday use. This plaza will serve as a gateway to Hemisfair and the new proposed entertainment district. Phase 2 completes the Promenade, a main pedestrian artery lined with Mexican Sycamores, providing a shaded walkway that seamlessly connects Civic Park and Yanaguana Garden while linking downtown to Southtown—significantly enhancing San Antonio’s walkability and urban connectivity.
Following the Promenade from Source Plaza will lead guests to the Zócalo, an elevated hardscape terrace that connects this phase of Civic Park with the initial section of the park that opened in 2023. The Zócalo will be filled with movable tables and chairs for daily use and it is also designed to support larger gatherings, complementing the adjacent Great Lawn and Stage. This area of Civic Park features decorative tile work and a limestone water feature fountain designed to emulate the acequias in the region.
The Stage is an addition to the north end of the Great Lawn which provides a space for concerts and larger-scale civic events. Civic Park Phase 2 is thoughtfully landscaped with native plantings, including 59 large trees, that will be irrigated with recycled water from the water collection and treatment system that was built as part of Phase 1 of Civic Park. This system largely eliminates the park’s dependence on potable water sources, allowing resilience during periods of drought.
Image Courtesy of: Hemisfair
While the first phase of Civic Park brought water, gardens and an event lawn to Hemisfair, the second phase of Civic Park will leverage the energy and activation of new retail and hospitality development with Public Private Partnerships (P3s), furthering the vision of an activated urban neighborhood.
Hemisfair is thrilled to invite the public to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Civic Park on March 18 at 10:00 AM. This special event will mark the grand opening of San Antonio’s newest signature green space, with city officials and community leaders in attendance to celebrate this milestone. The public is invited to join Hemisfair for a momentous occasion as the park, designed to bring people together and enhance the heart of the city, is unveiled.
Civic Park Phase 2 was completed with the help of the City of San Antonio’s Public Works Department, Skanska USA. and landscape architecture firm, GGN. Additional details about all of Hemisfair’s offerings, programming and more can be found at www.hemisfair.org. Hemisfair can also be found on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT HEMISFAIR:
The Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC) was created by City Council in 2009 to redevelop the former site of the 1968 World’s Fair in San Antonio, Texas. HPARC is dedicated to the transformation of Hemisfair into a sustainable, self-funded urban district with residences, local businesses, unique programming and three parks—Yanaguana Garden, Civic Park (Phase II) and Tower Park (Phase III). Hemisfair is where San Antonio meets, it is a vibrant gathering place for a day with friends and the city’s biggest celebrations. HPARC is a 501(c)3 local government corporation, supported in part by the Hemisfair Conservancy, an independent 501(c)3. For more information, visit hemisfair.org and follow @hemisfair.
Feature Image Courtesy of: Hemisfair
