City propositions, fundraising contributions secure millions for land bridge at Hardberger Park

SAN ANTONIO – The construction of a natural land bridge in Hardberger Park recently secured millions of dollars in funding after a voters approved a city bond Saturday.

Justin Goode said he enjoys spending time at Phil Hardberger Park with his four-legged friends.

“I love this park. I’ve been coming here for three years,” he said.

A construction project of a land bridge that has been in the making since 2007 will give park-goers more access to both sides of the 330-acre park.

“Right now, there’s no way to get across, and it’s about a 2-mile drive in your car from parking lot to parking lot,” former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger said.

The $23 million land project will connect the east and west sides of the park.

Hardberger on Tuesday announced three major contributions in the amount of $1 million.

"I’m extremely proud of it. I would say it's important right along with the things when I extended the river to 13 miles and Main Plaza and some of the other things, Haven for Hope,” he said. “Leaving a beautiful park for the city of San Antonio, it’s their legacy."

Fundraising efforts will account for $10 million. The remaining $13 million for the project were secured Saturday when the city’s bond propositions passed.

“It’s so nice to have something so close by, where everyone can go and enjoy and something that will benefit the community around here,” said Kaitlyn Culver, a park-goer.

The land bridge will include a skywalk and trail that is ADA accessible.

The $13 million from the city bond comes from Proposition 1, which contributed $7.5 million and $5.5 million from Proposition 3.

The project could break ground in spring 2018.

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About the Author:

Tiffany Huertas is a reporter for KSAT 12 known for her in-depth storytelling and her involvement with the community.