January 27, 2021
Lora Reynolds
Explore the New Phil Hardberger Park Land Bridge
After years of planning and construction, the Robert L. B. Tobin Land Bridge at Phil Hardberger Park in north central San Antonio is open to people and wildlife! Measuring 150 feet wide by 150 feet long, the bridge spans Wurzbach Parkway, uniting the two sides of the park for the first time.
The 330-acre park was originally a dairy farm owned by Max and Minnie Voelcker. The City of San Antonio purchased the land in 2007 and opened the park to the public in May, 2010. The two sides of the park, with entrances at 13203 Blanco Road and 8400 NW Military Highway, have been divided by Wurzbach Parkway until now. Parking lots are available at both sides of the park and you can access the land bridge from the Water Loop Trail on the Blanco Road side or from the Savanna Loop Trail on the NW Military side. The half-mile (approximately) walk from either parking lot to the land bridge takes about 20 minutes. Cyclists are welcome on the bridge but must walk their bicycles across.
The Land Bridge is uniquely designed for safe passage by people and animals and is the largest wildlife crossing constructed to date in the United States. Native trees, plants, and grasses have been installed to create a natural ecosystem and offer food and shelter to wildlife. A 250,000-gallon rainwater catchment system captures rainwater runoff, providing irrigation for the bridge and surrounding area. Eight-foot-tall walls made of Corten steel line the top of the bridge to block the sights and noise below.
Two wildlife viewing blinds on top of the bridge, each with a water feature, offer sheltered areas for visitors to sit and observe. The quarter-mile bridge trail is ADA-compliant, as is the soon to open Skywalk, which leads from the Blanco Road side of the park up to the top of the land bridge. Park hours are sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing when you visit the park. Read more.