The family was looking to go for a walk on the weekend and saw this place next to Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU). This is the first time I've been to the park and can definitely confirm there are alot of different birds here, including ducks. There was plenty of parking thankfully and not overly crowded when we came. The path itself was very easy and you basically walk around this big lake. They also do have plenty of seating around and saw many people there fishing. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was that there was alot of trash. Some parts of the trail were decent but you could still see the place isn't really kept up with cleaning which is a shame. Even on the path I saw this random bed spring that was kinda random. Overall it wasn't a bad park but wish they kept it cleaned up would have enjoyed it more. read more

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We have lived in San Antonio for 2 years and finally made it to Elmendorf Park this morning (we live on the East side). All the reviews indicated this was a clean, lovely spot to walk. However, we found so much debris and smell everywhere: mounds of clothing and trash that appears to have been piling up for some time. I see that there was an upgrade done to the park in 2017. Now in 2025, this once beautiful park seems to have been neglected and allowed to be a catchment for homeless people and people not interested in cleaning up after themselves. There was an obvious drug deal happening at one point on the path as well. We saw the volunteer park stewards on their bikes but wondering what input they have to help this poor park. read more

Large park with lake views and a cute bridge makes for a nice walk, weather permitting!

Been awhile since I've been in this area to attend this park. Still a beautiful spot. Nice park for the kids to play at and a very nice lake for feeding ducks and fishing. If only this place had working open restrooms considering it's a big park and it's a weekend with a lot of people coming out with kids and family. The restrooms are closed and locked. I'm not sure if this is all the time or just closed on The weekend but not cool. read more

Absolutely beautiful. This park is nice, serene, and very well kept. I didn't expect to see so much wildlife here and so many different types of birds, I wish I brought my binoculars. The splash pad and restrooms were closed which was unfortunate but I understand their precautions. We really enjoyed how long the trail was and the fact that they had tons of picnic areas. A lot of families were out grilling this morning and fishing. There were San Antonio park employees going around and checking peoples fishing licenses I'm assuming and monitoring which I thought was nice. If you're into history, they have a lot of plaques around the trail letting you know what you're looking at, some science knowledge, all about the university & water conservation. This is probably one of the best parks we've been to in San Antonio so far. read more

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Elmendorf Lake is a scenic place for a walk or a picnic. It serves as a trailhead for the Apache Creek greenway trail. There are many birds, including ducks, geese, and swans, that visit the park. The public art at thr park includes metal screens, mosaic tile benches, and more. Our Lady of the Lake University is visible from the park. read more

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If you only read part of my review, let it be this: take your time in this park and look for the subtle improvements (both historical restorations and new additions) to this place. It's a very special place in San Antonio, so take your time and take everything in! Beautiful spot for walking, biking, or walking your dog. Not sure how long the paved loop around the lake is, but if you feel like walking further, the trail connects to the West Side Creeks Greenway trails (also paved) on both the north end of the loop and the south end of the loop. https://www.sanantonio.gov/portals/0/Files/Parks/Facilities/Trails/Greenway/WestsideCreeks.pdf Make sure you check out Bird Island while you are at the park. Two types of egrets and cormorants have literally taken over the island. If you walk around to the far side of the lake you can get pretty close to it, and depending on the time of year, you might spot some baby Snowy Egrets hanging out with their mammies and pappies. One thing you should really look for is the Fueax Bois stage and sitting area. It's an art style that creates things made of concrete but you would swear up and down they are made of wood. Many of these are scattered in various places around town and were created by the same craftsman many years ago - hint - several of them are located at the Japanese Tea Gardens. Read the placard - it is a very interesting story. Also, near the Fueax Bois stage and sitting area are some recently added sitting areas that are adorned with mosaic tile artwork. This is the same area with the "Rejuvenation" engraving on the walkway that Daniel C. mentioned in his review. Make sure you read his review - he had a very eloquent take on this engraving and he's spot on with his comment! Take the entire loop around the lake to view the murals painted on the other side of the dam walls - it's not graffiti, it was city sponsored. BBQ grills and picnic tables scattered in various spots along the walkways (who the heck decided to put ALL the picnic tables and grills in the sun???). The park has portapotties and some real facilities with running water, but the real facilities were locked up when I was there. They have a play ground and a splash pad for the rugrats. Three parking lots around the lake. One on Commerce St just east of 24th Street, one o an Buena Vista, and on on 19th St. Google Maps took me to the intersection of Commerce St and 24th St and said I was there. So be aware of this. Yes, fishing is allowed - they even have a pier. read more

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'Twas not so long ago that Elmendorf Lake Park used to be an eyesore in this community. Succumbing to the elements of neglect, littering and underfunding it's no wonder it was ever frequented by citizens. But fast forward a few years ahead and the difference between before and after is stark. I initially came here for a morning walk and I was pleasantly surprised by all the renovations. The park, with its upgrade is more polished and totally compliments this district; particularly "Our Lady of the Lake University." Gone are the overgrown weeds and empty beers cans. They have been replaced with a modern conceptualized space: metal tables, benches, small grills, walkways for joggers(walkers), small bridges, and a playground that highlights it. It reminds me of a smaller version of Woodlawn Lake Park, a place too that has benefited as a beautification project by the city. In addition to being both family and pet friendly it seems perfect for gatherings, picnics, to hang out with friends or even by yourself. While I feel the improvements can only heighten the profile of this area I do have a few critiques. Firstly the walkways should've been widened to accommodate walkers and joggers. Secondly there needs to be markers that indicate "distance." And lastly they need to create public bathrooms. At least for me the whole porta potty thing depreciates the value of this park. Alongside one of the walkways there's an engraving that simply says, "Rejuvenation." To say this place is rejuvenated is an understatement. It has been reborn, reimagined. The city has made the investment in this park, which is really an investment in this community. The community now must do its part to take care of it as well. read more

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What times does the pool and water park close today being that it's Sunday? It's a fun & beautiful park, been there many times with friends and family for events but I've never been swimming in the pool. Not sure what time it closes. I called the number but of course no one answers and get a recording, NO BUISNESS! Unbelievable and pretty absurd that you need to create an account with yelp just to ask a question, and they share all your business with the world and to top it off lol, with or without an account, still got no answer. Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercy, Amen. read more

I have visited Elmendorf Lake Park twice since its reopening in January 2016 following a massive beautification and redesign. I am impressed with the great work done by the city and river authority. The lake and vegetation have been cleaned up and spruced up. Several fountains have been added within the lake creating great photo opportunities against the beautiful backdrop of OLLU. Trails and multiple bridges have been added to create a great amenity for exercise. There are also benches, maps, and informational signage located along the trails. The signage educates visitors on the area's history as well as the natural habitants of the area: animals, trees, and vegetation. Fishing areas are also found along the trails along with a mini fishing pier that jets out of the island. It looks beautiful now, but I look forward to seeing it in the spring once the trees are green and everything is in bloom. There are a good number of picnic tables providing plenty opportunities for family gatherings. It is already evident the park is drawing families. There is also a playground and open areas for open play. The birds can seem to overtake some areas in terms of leaving their mark. It would be good idea for park staff to regularly clean up these areas. There is plentiful lighting in the park. There is not a swimming pool, currently, as the previous one was removed. I am not sure if there is one in the works. If not, this would only make the park even better! I will definitely be returning to this park more often! This is definitely worth the drive if you are not in the area. This park is alive again! read more

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Big , there are ducks, bridges, trails, playground, splash pad, good to get a exercise and good for kids. Would recommend nice view read more

Elmendorf Lake Park - Pretty nice park , big , kid friendly, ducks, small splash pad, and playground. Would recommend - Parks Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Awesome for fishing and walking. Family friendly. Need more patrolling for littering and dumping.

Do my walk and jogging here... it is good because it doesn't get packed and the track is long almost 2 miles so just doing one lap around is good. read more

Elmendorf Lake Park - Ducks #OLLUPark #SanAntonio - Parks Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Just moved to SA, Love this park it's beautiful but, What is the story behind the small dead island with hundreds of birds on it?? Heard someone at the park say it was about a lady who died there protecting it. Do not understand, anyone have a history on this. Thank you read more

Great park for kids ! Good playground and a beautiful water sprinklers for kids to have a good summer and freshen up ! Take towels and have fun read more

Elmendorf Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Antonio, Texas