San Antonio and South Texas’ First Arboretum on Former Golf Course Begins Planning Process

On May 8, Arboretum San Antonio leaders announced that Sasaki has been chosen as the master planning firm tasked with the foundational plan for San Antonio’s and South Texas’ first arboretum—a special category of botanical garden devoted to a region’s trees and other woody plants. Arboretum San Antonio Founder Henry G. Cisneros, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and Judge Peter Sakai spoke at a press conference emphasizing their support for this green space sanctuary dedicated to trees.

A 12-month master planning process is underway. A critical piece of the process will be events starting this summer asking for community input to develop and build an arboretum that reflects San Antonio’s heritage and diverse culture. Joining Sasaki in this effort is a solid local team that will ensure that the arboretum reflects San Antonio's unique culture and character.

Located on the city’s southeast side, along Salado Creek, Arboretum San Antonio’s 188 acres boast many mature and heritage trees, recycled water, a pond, right-of-way access to hike and bike trails,  easy access to major highways, and a quick 15-minute drive from downtown. As a former golf course, approximately four acres of paved cart paths already wind through the site. 

Site Features:

• 188 acres total.

• Former Republic Golf Course.

• Purchased in November 2023.

• It will be the second-largest arboretum in Texas.

• Home of the rare Blackland Prairie.

• The site includes multiple Indigenous (Coahuiltecan tribes) seasonal camping grounds.

• The site sits at the crossroads of four local eco-regions and is well-suited to showcase the region’s trees and ecologies.

• It will connect to the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System (a growing network of 101 miles of accessible, connected trails), adding to our city’s connectivity of a ring of hike and bike trails.

• Salado Creek is an important tributary of the San Antonio River and historically fed local acequias.