Confluence Park

Confluence Park is a 3.2-acre public space located along the San Antonio River in San Antonio, Texas. Opened in 2018, the park was developed on the site of a former industrial storage yard by the San Antonio River Foundation. The park sits at the confluence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, which inspired its name and design concept.

The park's centerpiece is the BHP Pavilion, featuring a series of concrete "petals" that rise 26 feet high. These structures, designed to resemble plants that funnel rainwater to their roots, serve both as artistic elements and functional components of the park's water management system. The pavilion's unique geometry collects and directs rainwater into an underground catchment system, which serves as the primary water source for the park's landscaping needs.

Confluence Park was designed as a living laboratory to educate visitors about the South Texas ecotypes and the San Antonio River watershed. The landscape includes native plants representing various regional ecosystems, offering hands-on learning opportunities about local flora and environmental conservation. The park's design also incorporates sustainable features, including a photovoltaic array that provides 100% of the park's energy needs on an annual basis.

The Estella Avery Education Center, a multi-purpose facility within the park, features a green roof for passive heating and cooling. This center serves as a classroom space that opens to the pavilion, facilitating environmental education programs for students and community groups. Since its opening, the park has welcomed over 32,000 students and hosted more than 350 educational programs.

Confluence Park is not only an educational resource but also a recreational destination. It serves as a gateway to the Mission Reach, part of the San Antonio River Improvements Project, which offers extensive hiking, biking, and paddling trails. The park's location, less than half a mile from Mission Concepción, also connects it to the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site.