Rayburn Legacy Park Unveiled During NCAA Final Four Celebrations
The NCAA Men’s Final Four has made its return to San Antonio, coinciding with a range of festivities celebrating collegiate basketball. This event marks not only the excitement of the games but also the inauguration of Rayburn Legacy Park, a new community space dedicated to sports and exercise.
Community Collaboration for a New Park
On Thursday, officials from the city, the NCAA, the Harlandale Independent School District (HISD), and San Antonio Sports convened at the site of the former Rayburn Elementary School. Their purpose was to celebrate the dedication of Rayburn Legacy Park, a facility designed to serve local residents, especially the youth who frequent the Rayburn Boys and Girls Club.
Park Features and Facilities
Located at 635 Rayburn Drive, Rayburn Legacy Park encompasses several amenities aimed at promoting physical fitness and well-being:
- A refurbished gymnasium
- A walking track equipped with exercise stations
- A soccer field featuring an automatic irrigation system
- A vibrant mural enhancing the park’s aesthetic
This development is part of the NCAA Legacy Project, which supports court restoration initiatives in communities hosting NCAA events, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the tournament.
Statements from Local Leaders
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the project, including the NCAA and the Men’s Final Four Local Organizing Committee. He remarked, “[My City Council colleagues and I] don’t agree on everything, but the one thing we do agree on is that we are dedicated to improving spaces for our kids in this community.” He emphasized how hosting the NCAA Final Four extends beyond the excitement of the games, leaving a positive mark on the city.
Historical Context and Previous Initiatives
San Antonio has hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four at the Alamodome five times, with the last event occurring in 2018. The city also uniquely hosted the entire 2021 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament, a response to public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bubba Cunningham, chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Committee, commended San Antonio for its vibrant atmosphere, saying, “There’s a reason that the NCAA has chosen San Antonio more than any other city. It’s because of the inspiration that you provide for all of us — the festivities, the music and the culture.” The NCAA Legacy Project reinforces this by generating long-lasting benefits within the host communities.
Future Benefits and Community Health Focus
Rayburn Legacy Park becomes San Antonio’s third completed project through the NCAA Legacy initiative, following a 2018 park on the Westside and a new basketball court at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club in 2021. Elena Wells, executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee, stated that this park, featuring an air-conditioned gym, will serve both the Rayburn Boys and Girls Club and the surrounding Harlandale ISD community. Additionally, she highlighted the city’s mission to establish walking-distance parks for all residents.
HISD Superintendent Gerardo Soto noted the beneficial transformation of what was once a school site, emphasizing the park’s role in enhancing community wellness. District 3 City Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran shared her enthusiasm for the repurposing of the Rayburn Elementary site, which will provide a much-needed recreational space for local families.
Concluding Thoughts
With the opening of Rayburn Legacy Park, the city of San Antonio not only embraces the spirit of the NCAA Final Four but also strengthens its commitment to community health and recreation. The park stands as a testament to collaborative efforts aimed at enriching quality of life for residents, particularly in underserved areas.
