A newly opened Bexar County public space in north central San Antonio is now available for free use by local civic groups.

County officials gathered July 21 at the Precinct 3 office, 320 Interpark Blvd., to cut the ribbon on a 1,414-square-foot community space.

According to the county, it is the first no-fee public gathering room in Precinct 3, which covers much of the north side and stretches to near downtown.

County officials said the meeting room is available for neighborhood meetings, presentations, trainings and other small-group events. It can facilitate multimedia functions, and it contains tables, chairs, a refrigerator and spaces for food setups.

The new public space is housed within the Precinct 3 office, which includes offices for the justice of the peace and the constable for Precinct 3, and some county clerk functions.

“It’s for HOAs, community groups, Scouts—everybody,” County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark said of the new gathering space.

Adame-Clark and Precinct 3 Commissioner Marialyn Barnard praised Barnard’s predecessor, Trish DeBerry, who originally pushed for a county community room in Precinct 3.

DeBerry, campaigning as a Bexar County judge candidate ahead of the Nov. 8 general election, also attended the July 21 ceremony for the new gathering space.

Barnard said Precinct 3 is one of Bexar County's fastest-growing areas, and the establishment of a public county meeting room will help to meet the community gathering needs of more than 500,000 Precinct 3 residents.

“It’s a perfect location, located centrally in Precinct 3,” Barnard said. She also said constant law enforcement presence and high foot traffic ensure the Precinct 3 facility is a safe structure.

Anyone wishing to use the Precinct 3 community room may call the county commissioner’s office, 210-335-2613, for scheduling information.