Breathing Places, a History of San Antonio Parks went on display for viewing in The Focus Gallery in a special exhibit at the New Whitte Museum. San Antonio is home to many great parks and recreational areas which have a long history. Back in the 1730's the Spanish government gave public lands to municipalities. Breathing Places shows the 280 year progression of San Antonio's parks and recreational systems by using historic photos, maps, paintings and original drawings. It shows the trangression of the parks from merely public gathering places and public plazas during the Sanish time frame, to the wide open spaces in natural settings that enbodies the parks of San Antonio today that the public is able to enjoy.
The parks of San Antonio began as simple public gathering places. After the Civil War and the railroads came through the area in the 1870's businesses and residential area began to sprout up around these public places. Citizens began to express a desire to take care of these areas and asked the local government for some kind of system to help keep the "park" areas looking clean and tidy. The Office of Park Commisioner was created in 1880 to meet that need and maintain the parks. The Office of Park Commisioner created important jobs such as park commisioner, park inspector, and park keeper to ensure that these public areas were being well mantained and cared for. The parks in San Antonio continued to grow as did the citizens love for them. By 1952 the total land held by parks and recreational areas had grown to over 15,546 acres in 193 parks in San Antonio. The Parks and Recreational Department was established in 1952 to offer special programs and provide supervised events and programing to the growing parks around San Antonio.
Breathing Places, a History of San Antonio Parks is supported and made possible for viewing by the Marcia and Otto Foundation, the San Antonio Conservation Society, and Jack Judson Jr. Viewing the display is free to the public with museum admission. The parks of San Antonio have come a long way since the 1800's when they were first maintained. San Antonio has a lot to be proud of with their many parks and various recreational areas. Be sure to visit a park soon and enjoy the beauty and nature of San Antonio.
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