Historic review commission approves Brackenridge Park play-area plan after debate over trees, bridge and water features

The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission approved a redevelopment plan for the Brackenridge Park play area on a motion to accept staff stipulations, after several residents urged protection of heritage trees and asked for clarity about a planned pedestrian bridge and aquatic play features.

The commission’s decision followed more than an hour of public comment and questions to designers and the project owner about tree removal, tree relocation, the depth of utility trenches near roots, and who would maintain water-play features.

Commission President Jeffrey Fetzer opened the item and the project team — including Chris Matrea, identified as executive director of Bracken Park Playgram, and a design representative — described tree work, planting and irrigation. “We’re not removing them, we’re transplanting 20 trees and relocating nine on site,” the design team said. The design and project team said an arborist (named in the presentation) would…