Sasaki to Lead Planning for New San Antonio Arboretum in South Texas

San Antonio, TX – May 8, 2024  Integrated design firm Sasaki has been selected to lead the planning for the new Arboretum San Antonio in Texas. The arboretum, a transformative project for the city, will bring a “cathedral of trees” to the city’s South East Side. Sasaki’s plan will support a dynamic hub for education, wellness, and recreation, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.

The planned arboretum, which will transform the former Republic Golf Course into a public “living museum” dedicated to the conservation and education of native and adapted trees and shrubs of South Texas, would offer a much-needed green space in the area. Sasaki’s selection follows a competitive process that considered 23 firms. Known for innovative and sustainable design solutions, Sasaki brings a wealth of experience in creating vibrant, inclusive parks, gardens, and landscapes that are both performative and beautiful.

“The Arboretum San Antonio will reconnect people to their South Texas landscape heritage, and we are honored to have been chosen to lead its planning,” said Anna Cawrse, Sasaki principal and landscape architect for the project. “It’s rare to work on a ground-start arboretum, and we’re excited to work with stakeholders to create a destination that celebrates nature, promotes well-being, and inspires learning.”

Located in south San Antonio, the new arboretum will encompass diverse landscapes, celebrating the convergence of three unique Texas ecoregions. At 188 acres, the arboretum will be larger than most public green spaces throughout the state. While the design process is just starting, the arboretum  will likely offer a range of amenities and programming, including walking trails, educational facilities, woody plant collections as well as a city-based tree nursery. Sasaki’s approach to the arboretum’s planning will be guided by principles of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. 

Joining Sasaki in this effort is a strong local San Antonio team including MPStudio, Work5hop, Ximenes & Associates, Pape-Dawson, The Urban Tree Company, Cielo Strategy Group, Robb S. Garcia, and Jeanette M. Honermann. Sasaki will work closely with these local partners and stakeholders to ensure that the arboretum reflects the unique culture and character of San Antonio.

“We are committed to creating a place that not only enhances the natural environment but also fosters a sense of community and belonging,” said Cawrse. “The Arboretum San Antonio will be a destination that engages people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a space for learning, recreation, and exploration.”

Tom Corser, CEO of Arboretum San Antonio, expanded on the project and its impact. “We are in the early stages of building Arboretum San Antonio and are thrilled to have Sasaki as our master planning leader to realize a green space gem representing San Antonio and all of South Texas. We will celebrate those who came before us, the indigenous people who built their lives based on our region’s unique natural resources like trees and water. We will celebrate our region’s native trees and be a world-class destination for our neighbors and tourists. Education will be a critical component, bringing in school buses full of children ready to enjoy nature’s classroom. Research and scientific study will also be an important part of our mission.”

In addition to work on the Arboretum San Antonio, Sasaki has a long history of creating award-winning parks, gardens, and open spaces around the world. The selection of Sasaki for the Arboretum San Antonio project reflects the firm’s reputation for excellence in integrated design and planning. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Sasaki is poised to create a landmark destination that will enrich the lives of San Antonio residents and visitors for generations to come.

A 12-month planning process led by Sasaki begins in Spring 2024. For more information about Sasaki, please visit www.sasaki.com.

About Sasaki:

Sasaki has been a leader in the design industry for 70 years. The firm is known for blending disciplines, engaging with clients and communities, drawing on history and context, and using data and emerging technologies to shape the built environment. With offices in Boston, Denver, New York, Los Angeles, and Shanghai, Sasaki’s 350 professionals partner with education, civic, and commercial clients around the world. Sasaki’s integrated services span architecture, interior design, planning and urban design, space planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering.

About Arboretum San Antonio:

Arboretum San Antonio will be the first arboretum in San Antonio and South Texas and Texas’ second-largest arboretum, boasting 188 acres of green space with heritage trees, Salado Creek, four-plus miles of existing paved trails, and a recycled water pond. The southeast San Antonio location, formerly Republic Golf Course, was purchased in the fall of 2023. A 12-month master planning process is underway to engage the community with input and visioning to create the foundational plan for the future.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Eric Baldwin
Director of Communications, Sasaki
[email protected]

Kate Edwards
Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Cielo Strategy Group
[email protected]