Olmos Park, also known as Olmos Basin Park, offers more than 1,000 acres of green space for San Antonio residents and visitors to enjoy. Located just 5 miles from the Alamo, this City of San Antonio-run park, north of the Olmos Dam, has a definite primeval vibe, as well it should. Archeologists documented a cemetery in the area that dates back more than 2,000 years.

If not for being located in a flood plain, the park would have been a prime target for development. Thanks to its sometimes soggy location, citizens and visitors may take advantage of the park’s 1.37 miles of concrete trail, three softball fields, three soccer fields, three multi-use fields and one football field along with a playground that will fulfill every child’s desire. On the day I was at the park, walkers (with and without dogs), joggers, cyclists and flag football players were all present. I’ve even seen kite-flyers in the park a time or two.

You may reserve a party house at Olmos Park or a variety of picnic spaces for large groups. You can also check out the underside of McAllister Freeway, artfully disguised to blend in with its surroundings.

In the not-so-distant future, keep an eye out for a nearby dog park, known as the Bark Park, on Alamo Heights Boulevard. It was recently approved by the Alamo Heights City Council.

The City is offering a variety of Fitness in the Park opportunities throughout San Antonio. Check ’em out!

Denise Barkis Richter, Ph.D., author of “San Antonio’s Passport to Fun,” has been blogging about San Antonio since June of 2010. Follow her at facebook.com/SanAntonioTourist so that you’ll never miss a post. Her love affair with the Alamo City began at Hemisfair in 1968. She moved to San Antonio in 1979 as an 18-year-old college student, and San Antonio has been her home ever since. Denise completed certification to become a professional tour guide in 2019. Please contact her at sanantoniotourist at gmail dot com if you’d like for her to curate a fabulous San Antonio experience for you!