San Antonio is set to enhance its recreational offerings with a proposed splash pad at Woodlawn Lake Park, providing a refreshing play area for children during hot summer days. This new feature aims to imitate the visual charm of the park’s iconic lighthouse, constructed in 1936.

Project Details

The Historic and Design Review Commission will review the splash pad design proposal on Wednesday. This facility will be situated east of Woodlawn Lake and next to the existing swimming pool.

Construction for this project, part of the 2022 bond initiative, is projected to begin in early 2026, with the aim of completion by winter 2027. The architectural vision is being developed by the local firm Ford, Powell and Carson.

Design Features

According to renderings, the splash pad will feature an expansive hardscape, adorned with various water spray components and fountains, much like those in other municipal parks, including Pearsall Park and Hemisfair.

Iconic Elements

Central to the design will be a structure that resembles Woodlawn Lake’s historic lighthouse, which will feature water spouts cascading down its sides, further enhancing the splash pad’s attraction.

Additionally, the project includes plans to relocate an existing sidewalk and to enlarge an adjacent equipment storage enclosure to accommodate the new designs.

Historical Context

Woodlawn Lake, spanning 80 acres, was established in 1889 when a dam was constructed across Alazan Creek, with water supplied by two artesian wells. Historically, the area also housed the Crosstown Street Railroad, which connected Woodlawn Lake to downtown San Antonio via a trolley across the dam.

The city added a swimming pool and community center to the park in 1928, enriching the community’s recreational options.

Next Steps

With the splash pad project part of a $2.9 million initiative dedicated to enhancing the park, it must receive approval from the commission, given the significance of Woodlawn Lake Park within the Woodlawn Lake Historic District. City officials from the Office of Historic Preservation have expressed their support for the proposal, indicating a positive outlook for the project’s approval.