A Visit to Denman Estate Park

By Sara Branstetter | February 4, 2025

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Just south of the medical center, on San Antonio’s west side, lies a tranquil city park that is so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will feel like you are not just in a different location, but perhaps a whole different country altogether. Thanks to a beautiful green lake, hundreds of friendly turtles, a flock of ducks, and an authentic Korean pavilion (FOR REAL!), Denman Estate Park is a peaceful oasis with a lot to offer those who want to unplug and enjoy nature, without having to drive far enough to actually get outside of the city limits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Branstetter has called San Antonio, TX home for the last 20 years. She’s a wife of a veteran, mom of four, and a cuddler of the world's best dog. The army brought her family to San Antonio years ago, and the city, its culture, and its food have kept her here.

A Visit to Denman Estate Park

History

The land for Denman Estate Park was purchased by the city of San Antonio in 2007 from local philanthropist Gilbert Denman Jr. Combined with an adjacent piece of land that was already owned by the city, the area was quickly developed into a 20 acre city park that opened to the public in 2010.

Korean Pavilion

Resting on the banks of the small lake, lies a Korean pavilion, which was gifted to the city of San Antonio by Korean sister-city Gwang-Ju in effort to recognize and strengthen the friendly relations that exist between the two cities.

The colorful pavilion was designed in the fashion of pavilions found in the southern provinces of South Korea and provides a serene backdrop to the lake itself.

Park Entry and Layout

Visitors to Denman Estate Park will find ample parking next to a sprawling two story mansion that was constructed in 1936 and was Denman’s original home. It now functions as a retreat and conference center and isn’t part of the park but adds a touch of the majestic to the tranquil space.

After parking, head northeast along the path toward the lake to access the rest of the park’s amenities.

Park Features

In addition to the crescent shaped lake that is surrounded by large Cypress and Live Oak trees, guests to Denman Estate Park will find a half mile walking trail that loops the park, picnic tables, benches, public restrooms, and regular public art displays.

Denman Estate Park is extremely pet friendly. I saw a number of leashed dogs (and even one leashed cat!) the day I visited. There isn’t any wide open spaces for pets to run, but the trail offers enough distance to give even the most athletic of pets a short exercise.

And lastly, there is also a small “moon labyrinth” that doubles as a small (really small – like less than a minute to walk through) maze and reflection area. In the spring, the labyrinth is hedged in short shrubs and is meant to offer a few minutes of peaceful reflection and clarity as you walk through it.

Nature in the City

Though just off a main city road, Denman Estate Park is quiet and utterly peaceful. You cannot hear road noise from the center of the park, leaving you to listen to the chirping of the birds and the quacking of the ducks. And while they don’t make noise, be sure to look for a large group of turtles that sun themselves on the banks of the lake when they aren’t taking a swim in its waters.

The park is truly a slice of nature in the middle of an urban area. As such, it is a great place to exercise, relax, study, enjoy the outdoors, and take a few perfect photos.

WEBSITE | 7735 Mockingbird Ln., San Antonio, TX 78229