The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge was completed December of 2020. The bridge unites the two portions of the park separated by Wurzbach Parkway. The 330-acre nature park on the center-north side of San Antonio, the Phil Hardberger Park, has served as a haven for wildlife and all who appreciate nature. But there's been a draw back, the park was divided by Wurzbach Parkway. It is now major roadway with increased in traffic over the years.

   Originally the land that makes up he park belonged to Max and Minnie Voelcker who had a dairy farm there. When they died, the land went up for sale and was purchased by the city of San Antonio.
   “I’m happy we bought it when we did because if we hadn’t, that land would have been filled with houses and developments,” former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger said. “From that day until now, I have never seen any other land come on the market that was perfect for a park. We’d probably still be waiting.”

Getting the bridge across Wurzbach in 2020.	Close to completion in 2020.
Finished except for the landscaping to grow in	The landbridge was completed in early 2021. Here you can see both walls. The bridge is quite wide. At the time of this photo, the landscape had yet to grow in.

The bridge project costs $23 million, pulling from the Hardberger Park Conservancy’s donations and grants along with funds from a 2017 city bond. Features will include a rainwater system to irrigate the bridge and park, a disability-accessible walking trail and newly planted trees and grasses.    The bridge is 150 feet long by 150 feet wide and stretches high over Wurzbach Parkway, unifying both sides of the previously divided park.    A bridge has been part of the 330-acre park’s masterplan since the days of its founding more than 10 years ago. “We knew that Wurzbach Parkway was going to be built through it,” Denise Gross, the executive director at the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, said. "Many different options were considered, from an underground passage to a simple walkway, but a land bridge won out."    The bridge was named after San Antonio philanthropist Robert L.B. Tobin. In the coming months its landscape will burgeon with native plants and trees including live oaks, mountain laurels, prickly pear cactuses, and persimmons. Meanwhile wildlife such as whitetail deer and coyotes, armadillos, and ring-tailed cats will use the bridge for shelter, food, and safe passage away from vehicles.    The bridge also features an ADA-accessible trail and the gently sloping, ADA-compliant Skywalk, which winds up through the treetops, giving visitors a unique perspective and outlook to the park below.    I took a trip to the land bridge early in 2021. Pictures are on this link: More photos from Hardberger Park