Southside San Antonio Parks
Palo Alto Park
Just five minutes from VIDA, Palo Alto Park features a playground, skate park, basketball and tennis courts, paved walking and bicycling trails, two shaded pavilions, and a softball field.
Pearsall Park
Pearsall Park features an 18-hole disc golf course, dog park, splash pads, and the city’s largest skate park.
Arnold Park
Arnold Park features a playground, covered pavilion, outdoor exercise equipment, paved walking trail, volleyball and basketball courts, soccer field, and a softball field. It also has the Ramirez Community Center, which has two gyms and a multi-purpose room that are available for rent.
Jim Mattox Park
Jim Mattox Park at Mission del Lago has a shaded playground and picnic tables, charcoal grill, tennis court, and a looped trail which connects to the larger Medina River Greenway trail system.
Southside Nature Parks and Trails
Madla Greenway Trail
The Madla Greenway Trail featuring old-growth oaks and boulder seating
The Madla Greenway, a one-mile loop in VIDA San Antonio, connects residents to nature, Texas A&M-San Antonio, and future amenities like the Town Center and Pool. Recognized as the Best Community Amenity in Texas, this partially shaded, recycled asphalt trail offers an inviting space for outdoor recreation and community connection.
Medina River Natural Area
This 511-acre park, just 10 minutes from VIDA, features 7 miles of hiking and biking trails, a rentable pavilion, and campsites. It connects to the expansive Medina River Greenway trail system.
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Photo courtesy of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Just five minutes from VIDA, this nature preserve offers a haven for native wildlife and migrating birds. The center hosts birding classes, native plant workshops, and family-friendly events, emphasizing conservation and wildlife appreciation. Recreational activities like fishing are not allowed.
Medina River Greenway
Spanning 17 miles, this scenic trail connects the Medina River Natural Area to Mission Reach Trails just south of Mission Espada. Multiple trailheads make it easily accessible.
You can access the Medina River Greenway via several trailheads:
Southside Living at VIDA
Visit VIDA San Antonio’s community news page to stay in the loop about what’s happening at VIDA and on the Southside.