University and River Authority Collaborate on South Side Park Project, Espada

The San Antonio River Authority and A&M-San Antonio announced a joint recreational and environmental collaboration in November along the historic San Antonio River. The property, known as the Espada Tract or Property, is located on 380 acres of land on the South Side of San Antonio.

Located south of Mission Espada, the land was donated to the River Authority and A&M-San Antonio by The TJX Companies, Inc., after acquiring acreage for a T.J. Maxx Distribution Center on the South Side of San Antonio. TJX committed to donating 15 to 20 acres of land to the Southside Independent School District for construction of a school, as well as the donation of the Espada Property.

The partnership allows for the area’s character to remain as the property is restored with native shrubland and riparian bottomland forest. The area serves as refuge for resident and migratory wildlife. Plans for the property are in their infancy. A&M-San Antonio and the River Authority are creating a master plan, led by Dunaway, a professional services firm offering civil and structural engineering, planning and landscape architecture, survey and construction inspection services. The master plan is expected to be complete in June and will include input from the community. Elements include a learning center managed by A&M-San Antonio, which will provide outdoor nature and biology research opportunities for faculty and students.