Olmos Park: An Update on Our Forgotten Treasure
This is an update to the The Mismanagement and Neglect of Olmos Creek story previously posted. Photos are at this updated website.
First, St. Luke's Episcopal Church & School, and the City of Olmos Park want to help take back Olmos Park from the offenders. Rev. Read has offered the church as our meeting place for the seminar. Chief Pruitt of Alamo Heights is also glad to get involved. There has been no response from Terrell Hills or Alamo Heights City Managers or Mayors, but hopefully they will join in soon.
Friends of Olmos Basin Park has been formed, thanks to the help of Beth Holmes of the San Antonio Parks Foundation. Membership for $25 can be purchased at www.saparksfoundation.org, under Memberships & Affiliates. We need to get people signed up so we can add Friends of Olmos Basin Park to the links.
We discovered the Girl Scout camp built in the 30s, a special thrill since this is the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts. If any of you remember the camp, or heard about it from elders, please share the stories.
The City of San Antonio Stormwater Division is now clearing the creek, although recent rains are delaying progress. The Natural Creek crews started at the picnic area first, opening up the banks and bars and leaving mulch on the ground. The mulch was created from the trees that were removed. They plan to clean 50 feet on each side of the bank, according to Frank Newberry, Public Works Operations Manager. After the big rain last week, the Creek Debris Removal crew cleared the bridge at Jones-Maltsberger and Basse, but in doing so the smaller debris flows under the bridge and into the natural creek. This then becomes the task of the Natural Creek Crew, so it is a continuing cycle between Mother Nature and the work crews. But at least progress is now being made! As all of this is cleared out, the smaller litter and debris left on the ground is cleaned up by the Adopt A Park volunteers led by Lissa Martinez and Ida Spence. If you are so inclined to make mud pies, you are welcome to join them.
So, if you want to help make Olmos Basin Park a beautiful place to have fun again, please join us.
Related Stories:
Opinion: The Mismanagement and Neglect of Olmos Creek
Residents go grassroots to help clean up Olmos Creek
Something smells in the Olmos Basin