Nothing bridges the divide between humans and animals…then, well, bridges.
The largest land bridge in the Continental United States is now accessible to bipeds and quadrupeds alike after the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department recently opened its Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge to bridge two halves of a 330-acre park. [Featured image via philhardbergerpark.org]
Last Friday, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department opened the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge over the six-lane Wurzbach Parkway in north central San Antonio. The new Land Bridge now connects the two halves of the previously divided Phil Hardberger Park, which spans 330 acres.
“For many years, the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge was only a dream. Thanks to overwhelming community support of the 2017 Bond, the generosity of donors from across the city and the hard work and dedication of so many, the vision is now a reality,” said Phil Hardberger, former San Antonio Mayor and park namesake in a press release. “I am honored to invite San Antonians to come experience the Land Bridge and hope it will offer them an escape from the stresses of this year – a place where they may spend time with family and friends and connect with the natural world.”
Funded by the voter-approved City of San Antonio 2017-2022 Bond Program and private donations, the Land Bridge paves the way for safe travel over the Wurzbach Parkway, reducing the number of wildlife automobile accidents. The bridge also notes its purpose of “reconnecting fractured habitats.”
“We join the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy in celebrating the opening of the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge,” said San Antonio Mayor, Ron Nirenberg. “The Land Bridge connects people with nature in the heart of San Antonio. I look forward to watching the landscape grow and mature with native trees and plants and observing wildlife through viewing blinds designed by local artists. The bridge is an amazing achievement.”
The Land Bridge is open during regular park house. While the public is welcome to traverse the bridge, the city does ask that people practice social distancing while doing so. The public can access the bridge via from Northwest Military park entrance at 8400 NW Military Highway through the Savanna Loop trail or the Blanco Road entrance at 13202 Blanco Road via Water Loop. From either side, visitors should expect to hike at least a half mile to arrive at the bridge. For more information, see here.