Carol I.
Yelp
Listen to Brent's advice ... take the self-guided tour! Brent's review is the best review on Confluence Park so it's hard to figure out what I can add...
Well, let me just share my experience:
I was lucky enough to actually have a real true to life tour guide when I was introduced to Confluence Park at the Certified Tourism Ambassador / Certified Mission Heritage Ambassador program mixer. (If you are in the hospitality industry and would like more info on CTA, just PM me.) I knew it was a new park but I really had no clue what I was walking into so this event was a nice surprise. I just kept wondering to myself "why would they be scheduling a meeting outside in the heat of July?" Lol. Although it was hot, there was plenty of shade under the Pavilion as you can see by my pics plus being up on the cliff above the San Antonio river, there was a nice little breeze that really helped us in the 100 temps. Vendors for the program mixer included South BBQ (new BBQ joint just down the road), Alamo beer, Mission Kayak, B-cycles which is now known as SwelI Cycles (new name), DJ Steven Lee Moya (he will be at this year's Restored by Light at San Jose Mission in Sept). I came home with a World Heritage shopping gift bag filled with World Heritage Festival medal (Sept), some brochures, pamphlets and flyers including beautiful glossy self-guided tour, a printed power point presentation of the San Antonio River restoration projects, plus many more.
Some of info I do remember from the private guided tour:
All of the materials at Confluence Park are either concrete or steel as they wanted a park that would last 100+ years. Four local design firms were asked for proposals. Lake Flato brought in a designer from California who had the vision San Antonio River Authority / San Antonio River Foundation was looking for. Native plants and grasses were used throughout the area. This is the largest restored green space in the USA (larger than NYC Central Park). A grove of oak trees were rescued from a Texas ranch and were placed on the west side of the pavilion for instant shade against the setting sun. All of the concrete shade "petal leaves" are designed to catch water which is funneled into an underground man made aquafer then is treated with a UV light to be reused throughout the park, including the toilets. Solar electricity is used and lights are on a automatic timer. The park is not locked up at night although bathrooms are, also on automatic system. The park was designed and built with education in mind, like parking for 3 school busses along the curb in front, funneling of the group into smaller groups, different areas for discussion (exactly like we did on our tour), plus an education center that can fit about 50. The pavilion is available to non-profit groups for meetings or can be rented out to host other type of events such as convention mixers or weddings.
Architect Info:
https://www.archdaily.com/896460/confluence-park-lake-flato-architects
San Antonio River Foundation
"Confluence Park is a destination for learning and recreation, inspiring visitors while teaching environmental science and sustainability."
http://confluencepark.sariverfound.org/
San Antonio River Authority Mission Reach Info:
https://www.sara-tx.org/river-recreation/parks/mission-reach/
San Antonio River
http://www.sanantonioriver.org/mission_reach/mission_reach.php