Parks projects chosen for planning awards

Two San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department development projects will receive awards today for outstanding planning. The Creekway Parks Development Program and Phil Hardberger Park will receive two of the seven awards given annually by the San Antonio Section of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association.

The awards are based on innovation, comprehensiveness and other factors.

Several greenway trails were opened in 2008 and others will be finished this year through the Creekway Parks Development Program, which covers more than 900 acres of property along San Antonio creeks.

The first phase of the Phil Hardberger Park project is expected to break ground in February and will allow public access to plantings, picnic facilities and a play field later this year. Construction on an outdoor classroom, a trail along Salado Creek and other park amenities have already started.