San Antonio City Council voted 6-4 on Aug. 3 to approve the first phase of a bond-funded improvements project at Brackenridge Park that will include the removal of nearly 50 trees from the park.

What happened

Council awarded a $3.4 million contract to Kentucky-based company Amstar, which will handle upgrades to San Antonio River walls, a historic pump house and a grand staircase around the park’s Lambert Beach area.

Phased improvements at Brackenridge Park will include nearly $8 million in the voter-approved 2017 city bond and $2.5 million from the 2022 bond.

The impact

City officials said improvements are needed at the sprawling park that lies north of downtown San Antonio, including the planned removal of 48 trees, six of which are heritage trees. Local officials said many trees must be removed to stabilize Lambert Beach walls and other park structures, and other trees pose a risk of falling.

But some council members, residents and environmental activists expressed concern about the planned tree removal, saying trees provide shade for human visitors and wildlife and add to the park’s atmosphere. City officials initially proposed removing 70 trees but were met with pushback from some council and community members and activists.

The project still requires approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas Historical Commission. Phase 1 work is scheduled to begin in late summer 2023 and be finished in spring 2024.

What they’re saying

Council Members Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, District 2; Phyllis Viagran, District 3; Teri Castillo, District 5; and Melissa Cabello Havrda, District 6, voted no, saying more time for discussion was needed on the tree mitigation plan.

District 1 Council Member Sukh Kaur, who represents much of Brackenridge Park, said the compromise plan approved Aug. 3 is the best path forward for the park.

“In our discussions, the city, independent arborists and project team stressed the city’s responsibility to reduce the risk of trees falling on residents and prioritize public safety,” Kaur said in a statement. “Brackenridge Park has a long history of neglect and underinvestment. Today, I requested the city prioritize developing and funding a sustainable maintenance plan to ensure future generations don’t repeat this.”