One of San Antonio’s most popular parks and public spaces is turning 100 this weekend. Our own much beloved Woodlawn Lake Park is celebrating its centennial this weekend with a special party designed to thank the local community for making the park one of San Antonio’s most cherished spots.
Woodlawn Lake Park began as West End Lake, an artificial lake created to attract residents to a residential subdivision in San Antonio’s rural west side in the 1880s. The lake soon attracted visitors to see what was then called “the finest artificial lake in the South” and stroll underneath the glow of the then-new electric lights. The lake and surrounding 62-acre park were deeded to the city in 1918 at which time the name was changed to Woodlawn Lake.
Now, 100 years later, the park has become one of the most popular gathering spots for San Antonio residents. Today the park contains a boat dock, walking trail, basketball gym, swimming pool, and even a dance studio. Since the late 1990s, the park has also been home to the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks.
To celebrate 100 great years, the park is hosting a special centennial celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 on Friday, October 12th. The celebration will include mariachi bands, food trucks, fireworks, and even a special screening of Pixar’s award-winning 2017 film Coco with Spanish subtitles.
Woodlawn Lake has become not only part of San Antonio as we know it, but a huge part of many San Antonians’ lives. Who hasn’t been to a birthday party, cookout, basketball game, or day out at the pool at Woodlawn Park? Don’t miss this great opportunity to celebrate one of San Antonio’s most treasured public spaces this Friday. The celebration is free for the whole family, but bring cash if you plan on eating at the food trucks.
