New playground unveiled at North San Antonio library

The San Antonio Public Library officially opened a playground and adult fitness area at the Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road, on Sept. 28.

City officials said the playground has two areas for younger and older children and is open to children of all abilities. The playground is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city said.

The playground is accompanied by a walking path with access to five new adult exercise equipment stations.

Additionally, local nonprofit Gardopia Gardens will install a food forest later this fall in a spot next to the library playground, the city said.

City officials said the food forest will include deciduous stone fruit trees that can survive the cooler winter weather of US. Department of Agriculture Zone 8B, which includes northern San Antonio.

Construction originally began on the playground in October 2021 and was estimated to cost more than $381,300, using money from the City Council District 9 office’s discretionary fund.

City officials, such as District 9 Council Member John Courage, have said the public playground complements the library and Encino Park Elementary School.