Parks and Recreation
For a relatively small city, Leon Valley has plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy life! Raymond Rimkus Park (est. 1978), located on Poss Road between Bandera and Evers, is 27 acres of fun, with athletic fields, playgrounds, and party pavilions which may be rented. There are 24 small picnic areas with small barbecue pits, which are available on a first-come-first-serve basis at no charge. The two playgrounds are ADA accessible, and there are tennis and basketball courts. In addition to these features, there is a jogging path, a quiet walking area, restrooms, water fountains for both people and their pets, and a Community Garden. The park fields are irrigated with recycled water from the San Antonio Water System. For rental information, please contact City Hall at 210-684-1391.
Adjacent to Raymond Rimkus Park is the Huebner-Onion Natural Area Park, a 36 acre beautifully wooded site with an awesome nature trail. The trail parallels Huebner Creek and hikers will see deer, native birds, the Huebner-Onion Historical Home and an historic old gravesite (Huebner Cemetery BX-307). Legend has it that old Mr. Huebner is buried at that spot! Both of these parks are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Privately owned, but near the park off Poss Road, is the Northwest Little League softball playing field. This is a great chance for your youngster to get in a little team sport softball action. Right behind the Dairy Queen, again on Poss Road, is a skate rink to satisfy the hidden roller derby enthusiast in you!
The City has also developed, or is in the process of developing, walking trails (cleverly disguised as drainage areas) in some of the neighborhoods. Residents can walk from Raymond Rimkus Park, across Evers Road, following the path along the library and Public Works to a small creek with a picturesque wooden bridge. This trail will eventually lead you from Huebner Creek to Stirrup Lane, then across Forest Meadow, Forest Mont, and end at Forest Ridge. A similar path leads from the back of Raymond Rimkus Park, through the Sun Valley neighborhood to the corner of Seneca and Evers. In the Canterfield neighborhood, an ADA accessible walking path will lead you the back way to the Steurenthaler-Silo Park. It is the goal of the City Council to provide as much walkable connectivity in our city as possible.
Other neighborhood pocket parks include the Shadow Mist Park, located at 5487 Shadow Mist; the Steurenthaler - Silo Park, located at 7510 Huebner Road; Old Mill Park, located at 6501 Huebner Road; and The Ridge at Leon Valley Park, located at 5740 Grass Hill Drive. Plans for these areas include:
Shadow Mist – plans are being developed for a parking area and a Skate Park to connect the Shadow Mist Park with the City of San Antonio’s proposed Crystal Hills Hike and Bike trailhead and park.
Steurenthaler-Silo Park – this park has a walking trail, outdoor fitness equipment, and picnic tables, benches, playscape, and pavilion. Shade structures were installed last year and landscape irrigation and a water fountain are next up in improvements.
Old Mill Park – the park boasts an asphalt jogging path, playscape, outdoor fitness equipment, and a pavilion. Shade structures were installed over the playscape and fitness equipment. Trees and other plantings have been installed and next year’s amenities will include irrigation and a water fountain.
The Ridge at Leon Valley Park – There is a large detention pond that was recently cleaned out and resodded to be used as an open play area, with a walking trail. This park has shaded outdoor fitness equipment and playscape, benches, picnic tables, and a pavilion. The Ridge at Leon Valley Park walking path will eventually connect with Huebner Creek on the south side of the Bandera Road bridge.
Huebner Creek Proposed Greenway Trail – Huebner Creek, from the south side of the Bandera Road bridge to Shadow Mist underwent a major transformation. This additional 36 acres was deeded to the City to be developed as an addition to the park system, with a hike & bike trail that will connect to the City of San Antonio’s Greenway Trail system. Construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2022.
Leon Valley Ranches, located off of El Verde Road, will welcome a pocket park with a nature and southwestern theme. Preliminary plans are to install a cedar split rail fence, climbing structures, a pavilion, interactive nature displays, and a play area.
Check back with us for updates as these areas are developed, but for now, we urge everyone to get outside and enjoy your community parks and trails!
For more information on recommended improvements to the Park, please refer to the Park Master Plan. Reservations for the small and large pavilions and athletic fields at Raymond Rimkus Park are accepted through the Online Reservation System, while the maintenance of all the parks is the responsibility of the Public Works Department. For more information on rental of the park facilities, please read our brochure or contact City Hall at 684-1391. For Park maintenance concerns, please contact Public Works at 681-1232.
