New Dog Park Opens in Concepción Park, Expands Green Space and Family Amenities on San Antonio’s South Side
San Antonio families and pet owners on the city’s South Side will soon have a new outdoor destination to enjoy together as the City of San Antonio prepares to officially open a new dog park at Concepción Park on May 11, 2026.
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Capital Delivery Department and Council District 3, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 10 to 11 a.m. at the park, located at 600 Theo Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78210. The project was funded through the voter-approved 2022-2027 Bond Program along with the City Tree Mitigation Fund, continuing a broader citywide effort to expand neighborhood green spaces and recreational amenities.
For residents in District 3, the addition represents more than just another park feature. It adds a dedicated gathering space for families, dog owners, walkers, and neighbors in an area already deeply connected to San Antonio’s cultural and historical identity.
New Off-Leash Dog Park Adds Recreation and Shade Amenities
The new three-quarter-acre dog park includes separate off-leash sections for small dogs and larger dogs, giving pet owners more flexibility and safer play environments for their animals.
Additional amenities include:
- Shared shaded seating areas with picnic tables
- Dog drinking fountains
- Waste bag stations
- Trash and recycling receptacles
- Newly planted shade trees
The dog park will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“This new dog park is a great addition for District 3 families and their pets, creating a welcoming space to gather, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors,” said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran. “We’re continuing to invest in amenities that enhance quality of life and expand access to green space across our community.”
The project also reflects growing demand across San Antonio for more pet-friendly public spaces as neighborhoods continue to expand and residents increasingly seek walkable outdoor amenities close to home.
Concepción Park Blends Recreation With San Antonio History
While the new dog park introduces a modern recreational feature, Concepción Park itself sits within one of the most historically significant areas in Texas.
The 21-acre park borders Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña, part of the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mission church, completed in 1755, is widely recognized as the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States.
Long before the park became a recreational hub with playgrounds, trails, and sports fields, the surrounding land served as agricultural property connected to the mission system. The area also became the site of the 1835 Battle of Concepción, one of the early major battles of the Texas Revolution.
Today, visitors to Concepción Park experience a unique intersection of history, nature, and community recreation. The park connects directly to the Mission Reach trail system and the larger Mission Trails hike-and-bike network, drawing both local residents and tourists exploring San Antonio’s historic South Side.
The park entrance also features the “River Return” public art installation added by the San Antonio River Foundation in 2015, incorporating limestone designs inspired by the original mission frescoes.
Expansion Marks Continued Growth of San Antonio Dog Parks
With the opening of the Concepción Park facility, San Antonio will now have 20 off-leash dog parks citywide, including multiple dog parks at Phil Hardberger Park and Tom Slick Park.
City leaders have increasingly emphasized outdoor recreation investments as part of long-term quality-of-life planning, particularly in growing residential areas where access to parks, trails, and public gathering spaces can influence neighborhood connectivity, health, and community engagement.
For many residents, dog parks have evolved into informal community hubs where neighbors meet regularly, families spend time outdoors, and pet owners build social connections close to home.
Dog Park Rules and Safety Guidelines
City officials are reminding visitors that use of the dog park is at their own risk and that owners remain responsible for their pets at all times.
Among the park rules:
- Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting
- Dogs must have current rabies vaccinations and license tags
- Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately
- Dogs under four months old and dogs in heat are prohibited
- Owners must clean up pet waste
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- No glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, or motorized vehicles are allowed inside the dog park
- There is also a limit of two dogs per adult within the facility.
What Happens Next
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 11 marks the official public opening of the new amenity, but city leaders say the broader goal remains ongoing investment in parks and green space accessibility across San Antonio neighborhoods.
As District 3 continues to grow, projects like the Concepción Park dog park reflect increasing attention toward balancing recreation, public gathering spaces, and neighborhood livability while preserving the area’s historic character.
Residents looking for additional off-leash parks throughout the city can explore the full directory of San Antonio dog parks at SA.gov/parks.
For updates on community development, parks, infrastructure, and neighborhood news across the San Antonio area, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.