After an 18-month search, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy has appointed a new full-time CEO in New Orleans-born Chris Maitre. He brings with him 13 years of experience managing New Orleans’ historic City Park and 27 years of experience working in nonprofits.

Maitre comes at a time when the conservancy, city and community are launching renewed efforts to fund and develop projects aimed at reversing decades of decline at the 125-year-old Brackenridge Park. Maitre replaces Terry Brechtel, the interim CEO and former city manager who has led the Brackenridge Conservancy for the past year and a half and who played a key role in shaping the park’s latest plans.

Efforts to restore the historic 343-acre Brackenridge Park began in 2008, with the launch of the Conservancy.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy is hosting its Annual Parktoberfest to celebrate San Antonio’s German heritage.

This free event is on September 29, at Koehler and Cypress Pavilions along the banks of the San Antonio River at Brackenridge Park from 4- 7 pm.

Parktoberfest honors the memory of Emma Koehler of the Pearl Brewing family. She donated 11 acres to San Antonio where alcohol beverages could be served in this part of Brackenridge Park.

The event will have German music by Beethoven Mannerchor and jazz music from The Dirty River Jazz band.

It took more than a year, but the Brackenridge Park Conservancy has found their new CEO.

Chris Maitre comes to his new job after serving as Chief Operating Officer for City Park Conservancy in New Orleans.

He will lead the conservancy in raising funds to preserve and enhance the 125 year old, 400 acre park’s natural, historic, educational, and recreational resources for current and future generations.

SAN ANTONIO — As Easter approaches, families are flocking to local parks with campers eager to secure the perfect location for the holiday weekend.

The curfew was lifted last night at 11 p.m., and campers wasted no time setting up their sites.

Brackenridge Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt on Saturday and a sunrise service on Sunday. Brackenridge Park Conservancy is also looking for volunteers to help ensure the park is cleaned throughout Easter.

San Antonio, TX — Brackenridge Conservancy is putting a twist on their East Weekend Celebration. They are partnering with Pura Vida Awards to provide live music.

Chris Maitre, Brackenridge Conservancy’s Chief Executive Officer, says the live acts can be seen in the Joske Pavilion.

“We have a ton of live musical acts,” Maitre said. “We have about eight acts spread across three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s mostly featuring Tejano music.”

Maitree says park goers will also be able to take pictures with the Easter Bunny on Saturday and hunt for eggs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The painting event is family-friendly.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy is asking the public to lend a hand in beautifying the beloved park. The organization is hosting an event Saturday, April 5, where volunteers can paint picnic benches for the park. 

Event will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Lambert Beach Softball Field parking lot, near Joske Pavilion, at 3700 N. St. Mary’s Street. 

Brackenridge Park Conservancy is working to build an interactive, nature-based, and inclusive playscape for all of San Antonio to enjoy. Our goals include using sustainable and durable equipment, incorporating thematic features, and providing universally accessible play areas to foster environmental stewardship and a sense of community. 

Designs have been based on community feedback collected through community meetings, nearly 200 digital survey responses, and countless one-on-one conversations at community events.

Brackenridge Park celebrates 125 years with ‘Big Brack Bash’

Brackenridge Park celebrated 125 years with a ‘Big Brack Bash’ to mark the founding of the park.

The family-friendly event, which took place Saturday afternoon, featured live music, delicious local food vendors, and a ‘Los Viejitos’ vintage car show. Interactive programs and activities highlighted the park’s history and significance.

A special donation was announced and presented by the Brackenridge Park Conservancy and H-E-B to help improve the park’s Nature Playscape.

The park was founded in 1899 and the land itself has a 12,000 year long history as a gathering place along the beginnings of the San Antonio River.

Ahead of the fishing day, 650 Channel Catfish are being released into the San Antonio River.

A local San Antonio organization is offering a rare opportunity this weekend…to go fishing at Brackenridge Park. 

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy along with several other local and state organizations are hosting the third annual Friends and Family Fishing Day on Saturday, Nov. 1.