A one-year masterplanning process for Arboretum San Antonio has been completed by multidisciplinary firm Sasaki. The arboretum, spanning 200 acres, will be the first of its kind in south Texas and the second largest in the state.

Acquired in 2023, the former Republic Golf Course will be transformed into a haven for nature, with habitats being restored. New tree collections will be added to the site which already features 31 documented arboreal species, including huge specimens of live oaks that predate the Battle of the Alamo and were part of the ancestral lands of indigenous communities in the area.

Sasaki’s masterplan, entitled ‘Branching Generations’, was revealed at a community event held at the site on the southeast side of San Antonio.

Arboretum San Antonio’s CEO, Adriana Quiñones, says the year-long planning process has been guided by the one key principle that “this arboretum must belong to everyone”. Over 18,000 community members were directly engaged in the visioning and design process by Sasaki.

“Our design reflects the community’s desire for spaces that are physically accessible, culturally inclusive, educationally rich, and ecologically sound. Community input has shaped every element.

“From our outdoor classroom and discovery areas to our Veterans Grove, heritage tree preservation, water conservation features, and diverse botanical collections, we have created not just San Antonio’s first arboretum, but South Texas’ first arboretum that truly reflects the people it serves.”

Nine arboretum zones based on expected audience, visitation duration, and existing landscape resources will be created.

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  Bike path. Credit: Sasaki

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  Canopy walk. Credit: Sasaki

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  Event lawn. Credit: Sasaki

The unveiling of the masterplan follows the acquisition of an additional 18 acres to secure the already established 188-acre Arboretum foundation.

Funding for the Arboretum’s land purchase, initial infrastructure, and master planning process has been provided by Bexar County. Additional support comes from the City of San Antonio to establish a city-based tree nursery, and many private and corporate donations further support the establishment of the Arboretum.

Sasaki is working with a team of San Antonio-based partners, including MPStudio, Work5hop, Ximenes & Associates, Pape-Dawson Engineers, Urban Tree Company, Cielo Strategy Group, Robb S. García, and Jeanette M. Honermann.

Breaking of ground and public accessibility is estimated to take place in 2028.