Headquarters & Medina River Trails
The beginnings of the decade-long improvements to the Medina River Natural Area began with a $500,000 grant from the Kronkosky Foundation funding the Master Plan, completed in 2001. In 2022, 19 acres were purchased with the assistance of a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant in which a match was received for trail development at the park. In 2006, the Hollyhills Development Corporation donation 143 acres to the San Antonio Parks Foundation which was subsequently deeded to the City of San Antonio bringing the total acreage of the park to over 500 acres.
In 2008, park improvements included entry signage and gates, kiosk, and the planting of additional trees, shrubs, and groundcover. An additional $85,000 were raised to upgrade the Medina River Natural Headquarters.
The Medina River Natural Area is the only City natural area park on San Antonio’s south side. It is also the only riparian natural area within the current natural areas system. Visitors have the opportunity to see birds such as the Green Kingfisher and Painted Bunting. Running along the natural area is one of the city’s paved greenways, providing a scenic out-and-back trail. In addition to hiking the trails and biking the greenway, fishing is permitted at several river access points at this park (valid fishing license required). Swimming and boating are not permitted, but we encourage natural area visitors to explore the park’s many other uses.
