Chris Park

Chris Park is a small, tranquil green space located in downtown San Antonio, Texas. Opened in 2005, this one-acre park was created by Linda Pace as a memorial to her son, Christopher Goldsbury, who passed away in 1997. The park serves as a living tribute, blending nature, art, and contemplation in an urban setting.

The park features a carefully curated landscape with a mix of native and exotic plant species. Visitors can enjoy lush foliage, including stands of Giant Timber Bamboo, Texas sabal palms, Hong Kong Orchid trees, and Natchez Mock Orange shrubs. The vegetation creates distinct spaces within the park, offering a unique and contemplative experience.

Chris Park is designed with inviting walkways that meander through the greenery. These paths are paved with stone blocks and shaded by various tree species, guiding visitors through different areas of the park. One notable feature is Tumble Hill, a raised berm of soft St. Augustine grass in the northeast quadrant, inviting children and adults alike to roll down its slope.

Art plays a significant role in Chris Park. Artist Teresita Fernández conceived several visual experiences throughout the space. One such feature is the Starfield, a subtle installation visible at night. Fifty-five tiny blue LED lights embedded in the stone terrace shine into the sky, replicating the constellations on the day of Chris's birth. Another artistic element is a series of seven illuminated jewel-toned glass pavers, which retell a nursery rhyme with a personal connection to Chris's life.

Throughout the park, visitors will find quarried limestone benches inscribed with brief passages from Chris's journals. These benches offer areas of repose and reflection, allowing visitors to connect with the park's memorial aspect while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Chris Park is part of the Linda Pace Foundation's contemporary art center campus, which includes Ruby City. While the park itself doesn't have traditional playground equipment, it offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of San Antonio, combining natural beauty with artistic elements and spaces for quiet contemplation.