South San Antonio News

San Antonio has improved its 2024 ParkScore® Ranking from 57 to 53 over the past year, according to The Trust for Public Land (TPL). The ParkScore index, published annually by TPL, measures park systems across 100 of the largest cities in the U.S. Among Texas' three largest cities, Dallas ranked 38 and Houston ranked 68.

Data from the 2024 ParkScore® report shows that San Antonio’s access to parks has steadily increased over the last five years, rising from 42 percent in 2019 to 52 percent of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park in 2024. This metric is slightly higher among seniors (age 65+), with 53 percent of residents in this age group living within a similar distance.

Equity findings indicate that San Antonio residents in low-income neighborhoods have access to 31 percent more park space per person than those in high-income neighborhoods. Additionally, residents in neighborhoods of color have achieved parity in park space with those in white neighborhoods, successfully closing the equity gap over the last five years.

The ParkScore® measures publicly accessible land and amenities. San Antonio continues to score above average for amenities such as adult and senior centers, community centers, and permanent restrooms. The city also scored highly in the Acreage category, which considers median park size and percentage of area dedicated to parks.

“We’re excited to see our ParkScore® steadily improve over the last five years to its highest level ever,” said Homer Garcia III, Parks and Recreation Director. “The opening of new parks, funded by the voter-approved Bond Programs, helps to move the needle in providing equitable park access in San Antonio. Parks are critical social infrastructure that bring people together, whether it is to volunteer, educate, or provide spaces for exercising and connecting with nature. Investment in our park system is an investment in our community’s physical, emotional, and civic health.”

In addition to city parks, San Antonio’s ParkScore® factors data from the San Antonio Missions National Park, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Bexar County (within San Antonio), and the San Antonio River Authority. Private recreational amenities such as parks in gated communities and private golf courses are not included. More information on the 2024 ParkScore® Index can be found at TPL.org/parkscore.