South San Antonio News

SAN ANTONIO (March 28, 2024) – The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department received prestigious accolades at the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) annual conference held in Galveston, Texas on February 29, 2024.

Director of Parks and Recreation, Homer Garcia III, expressed the department's pride in representing San Antonio and showcasing the city's park system, initiatives, and innovative programming. Garcia stated, "We’re proud to represent San Antonio and highlight our amazing park system, initiatives, and innovative programming among fellow parks and recreation professionals across Texas."

The Department was honored with the Texas Gold Medal Award, recognizing excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and innovative approaches to delivering outstanding park and recreation services. Garcia emphasized the team's commitment to excellence, stating, "These accolades highlighted by the Gold Medal Award and our recent national accreditation underscore our commitment to excellence in all that we do."

In addition to the Gold Medal Award, the Department also received the Lone Star Legacy Park Award for Martin Luther King Park, a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. The park's designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park is a significant honor, highlighting its historical importance and community significance.

Furthermore, the Department was acknowledged with the Lone Star Recreation Programming Achievement Award for the Zero Robotics program, a STEM initiative that provided participants with the opportunity to engage in robotics, space engineering, and code writing. The program's success was evident as students became finalists in the 2023 Zero Robotics Summer Program Competition and interacted with astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Moreover, the Texas Arts & Humanities Award was presented to Viva Los Tots, a family-friendly event aimed at young children and their families. Held at the Lou Hamilton Community Center in Lady Bird Johnson Park during the city's Fiesta holiday, the event encouraged children to explore, play, and develop problem-solving and social skills through various activities.

The recognition received by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department at the TRAPS conference highlights the city's dedication to providing exceptional park and recreation services to the community. For more information about San Antonio Parks and Recreation, please visit SanAntonio.gov/ParksAndRec.