Brackenridge Bark: Vote on Tree Removal Plan Sparks Heated Debate

February 21, 2022 - San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Co-Editor | San Antonio Sentinel

The Historic and Design Review Commission delayed a vote last Wednesday on a proposed plan for the removal of over 100 trees, including heritage trees, located on the top of the bank and along the river at Brackenridge Park. The time-sensitive proposal has drawn opposition from neighborhood advocates, environmentalists, and District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez. 

According to City staff, the trees are causing damage to historic structures within the iconic park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Texas State Antiquities Landmark.

McKee-Rodriguez believes that healthy heritage trees should take precedence in preservation efforts and are deserving of further consideration before they are removed and the landscape of the 349-acre park is altered. 

On Feb. 16, San Antonians from various districts provided their testimony to the HDRC commissioners asking them to consider a denial of the current plan in lieu of an alternative that would include more trees, specifically those of heritage designation closest to the river bank. 

“All these trees [are] slated to be chopped down if [the] Historic [and] Design Review Commission approves the permit request,” said community leader Grace Rose Gonzales on Facebook. “The trees on the river [are] all gone because the stone wall crumbles. Instead of moving the wall to accommodate the collective 2,000 years of oak tree history, [the proposed plan will have] all of them chopped down.

Gonzales said the oldest tree is close to 300 years old, which predates the 122-year-old park.

“We did not see the completed design as the City has not completed the design,” she added. “Real big changes need to be made, one of them [is] how our bond projects are implemented.”

READ: Southtown Sounds: The Good Kind Announces New Live Music Series

McKee-Rodriguez has met with City staff, advocates, neighborhood leaders, and various external experts to better understand the scope and possible future effects of the current proposed project.

“We remain committed to the public process and ensure every voice is heard and valued,” he said.

The plan, which aims to protect historic park structures including the Lambert Beach river walls, Brackenridge Pump House, Upper Labor Acequia, and Upper Labor Dam, could be in violation of the City’s 2010 tree preservation ordinance, which protects heritage trees from demolition.

“We are hopeful we can collectively reach a plan which builds upon the natural and historic landscape of Brackenridge Park instead of removing instrumental living elements which make the park so special,” McKee-Rodriguez said. “As our climate crisis continues and our bird populations plummet, it is our duty to be co-existing stewards of the land to ensure future generations can enjoy what thousands before have: beautiful, healthy natural spaces, water, shade, and wildlife.”

The HDRC special hearing for the proposal at Brackenridge Park has been scheduled for Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.

Jade Esteban Estrada is a co-editor for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer