The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) announced a joint recreational and environmental partnership to masterplan The Espada Property along the San Antonio River.

Also known as the Espada Tract, the property is located on 380 acres of land adjacent to Mission Espada — the first mission in Texas, founded in 1690.

The master plan will create a conceptual guideline for the long range mission (10-20 years), including low-impact developments and green infrastructure.

At the heart of the Espada Property is Cassin Lake, a popular fishing spot. | Photo by SATXtoday team

380 acres protected forever

Are you a Maxxinista? If you are, you may be intrigued to know that one of your favorite retailers actually played a major role in this landmark project.

The property, now protected through a conservation easement established by the Texas Land Conservancy, was donated to the River Authority and TAMUSA by the TJX Companies, Inc. The off-price apparel and home fashions retailer also committed to donating 15-20 acres of land to the Southside Independent School District.

About the property

Archaeological evidence shows that this land was once occupied by Indigenous peoples before the arrival of the Spanish in 1718.

The Espada Property now protects the scenic open space views along 2.2 miles of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, including 1.6 miles along the San Antonio River.

Lastly, at the heart of the property are 40 acres surrounding Cassin Lake, a popular fishing spot within the community.

Next steps

Plans for the property will be introduced through a master planning process managed by SATX-based engineering and consulting firm Dunaway.

Additionally, input from the community will also play a critical role in forming the master plan, which will be completed by SARA and TAMUSA staff + students by June 2023.

Proposed plans include a learning center — providing an outdoor nature and biology research opportunity for TAMUSA faculty and students — along with other potential park amenities for the community.