The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department celebrated a momentous achievement at the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) annual conference in Galveston, Texas, on February 29, 2024. The department proudly accepted four prestigious awards, including the esteemed Texas Gold Medal Award – Class I.
Homer Garcia III, Director of Parks and Recreation, expressed pride in showcasing San Antonio's exceptional park system, initiatives, and innovative programming among fellow professionals statewide. He attributed the accolades, notably the Gold Medal Award and recent national accreditation, to the dedication of the department's team, city leadership, and community support.
The Department's notable achievements include:
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Texas Gold Medal Award: Recognizing excellence in park management over the past three years, San Antonio impressed judges with its long-range planning, resource management, and innovative service delivery. This award signifies the pinnacle of achievement in Texas parks and recreation.
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Lone Star Legacy Park Award (Martin Luther King Park): Martin Luther King Park received the prestigious Lone Star Legacy Park designation, honoring its historical significance in the local community and throughout Texas. Established in 1972, the park's recognition adds to San Antonio's legacy of esteemed parks, including the youngest qualifying park, Martin Luther King Park, and the oldest, San Pedro Springs Park.
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Lone Star Recreation Programming Achievement Award (Zero Robotics): The Zero Robotics program, sponsored by NASA, the ISS National Laboratory, and the Aerospace Corporation, engaged Summer Youth Program participants in STEM education. As finalists in the 2023 Zero Robotics Summer Program Competition, students experienced the thrill of seeing their code control NASA's Astrobee satellites aboard the International Space Station.
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Texas Arts & Humanities Award (Viva Los Tots): Viva Los Tots, a family-friendly event held at Lou Hamilton Community Center in Lady Bird Johnson Park, celebrated the Fiesta holiday by offering engaging activities for children aged 0-5 and their families. From nature walks to creative art projects, the event aimed to foster problem-solving, social skills, and emotional expression in young participants.
For more information about San Antonio Parks and Recreation, please visit SanAntonio.gov/ParksAndRec.
