Yanaguana Garden: Where Culture, Community, and Concrete Games Converge
In the heart of downtown San Antonio lies a vibrant community space where play, history, and art come together in perfect harmony. Yanaguana Garden, part of the larger Hemisfair Park redevelopment, is more than just a park—it’s a cultural tapestry woven with stories of the past and playful visions for the future. Opened in 2015, this 4.1-acre urban oasis is named after the Payaya people's original word for the San Antonio River, "Yanaguana," which means "Spirit Waters."
For Stone Age Concrete Games, contributing to this landmark project was a chance to support not only public recreation, but also cultural heritage and community building. Our durable, artistic installations became a part of a space designed to serve as a living storybook and a thriving communal gathering place.
Yanaguana Garden: Where Culture, Community, and Concrete Games Converge
In the heart of downtown San Antonio lies a vibrant community space where play, history, and art come together in perfect harmony. Yanaguana Garden, part of the larger Hemisfair Park redevelopment, is more than just a park—it’s a cultural tapestry woven with stories of the past and playful visions for the future. Opened in 2015, this 4.1-acre urban oasis is named after the Payaya people's original word for the San Antonio River, "Yanaguana," which means "Spirit Waters."
Yanaguana Gardens named #7 best parks in the U.S.A. by U.S.A. Today
For Stone Age Concrete Games, contributing to this landmark project was a chance to support not only public recreation, but also cultural heritage and community building. Our durable, artistic installations became a part of a space designed to serve as a living storybook and a thriving communal gathering place.
A Garden Rooted in Storytelling
What sets Yanaguana Garden apart is its deep connection to indigenous storytelling. Inspired by the Payaya Indian creation myth, the park honors the origins of the San Antonio River. In the legend, a blue panther chases an anhiga bird across the sky. In its flight, the bird drops a single bead of water that becomes the source of the river—a sacred spring known today as the Blue Hole.
This myth is retold through art installations throughout the garden. San Antonio artist Oscar Alvarado brought the tale to life with stunning mosaic benches and sculptures. One bench depicts the Blue Hole, another supports a sculpture of the fleeing bird, and a third celebrates the powerful blue panther. These vibrant, permanent art pieces ensure that history is not just remembered, but also interacted with by every park visitor.
From World's Fair Legacy to Community Revival
Yanaguana Garden is situated in the Hemisfair district, the same area that hosted the 1968 World's Fair. In the decades since, the area fell into disuse until the city began a thoughtful transformation into a thriving public space. Hemisfair Park now reflects a vision for sustainable urban living, with walkable spaces, community-driven design, and a strong commitment to accessibility.
Yanaguana Garden embodies this transformation. It features splash pads, interactive art, adaptive play structures, and wide open lawns. But more importantly, it was built with inclusivity and community engagement at its core. The park welcomes people of all ages and abilities, inviting them not only to play, but to connect and reflect.
How a Community Voice Sparked Playful Possibilities
Our involvement in this iconic park began with a single voice—a local community activist who attended one of the Hemisfair planning meetings. Recognizing the value of durable, interactive recreation in public spaces, they recommended Stone Age Concrete Games as a partner.
That recommendation led to a collaboration rooted in purpose. The planners of Yanaguana Garden wanted installations that could handle heavy public use while offering lasting visual appeal. They also wanted games that encouraged connection: shared moments between strangers, families, and friends. We were proud to be selected to help bring this vision to life.
Stone Age Contributions: Functional Art and Lasting Fun
Our role in Yanaguana Garden included the installation of several signature products, each chosen for its ability to invite interaction, resist wear, and complement the artistic integrity of the space.
Concrete Ping Pong Tables
Two of our flagship concrete ping pong tables were placed in the garden. Built for all-weather performance and public durability, they quickly became magnets for spontaneous play. Passersby stop to pick up paddles, kids challenge their parents, and coworkers rally during lunch breaks. These tables offer far more than a game—they offer a reason to pause and engage.
Concrete Foosball Tables
Two concrete foosball tables were installed as well, providing fast-paced fun that sparks laughter and camaraderie. Their rugged construction makes them ideal for public parks. Unlike indoor foosball setups, these can endure both weather and repeated use without compromising play quality.
Concrete Cornhole Sets
We also provided two concrete cornhole sets, blending casual play with sculptural presence. These sets require no setup and invite players of all ages to join in. Cornhole’s low barrier to entry makes it an ideal choice for public play spaces, and the concrete versions are virtually indestructible.
Custom Chess Tables with Mardi Gras Glass Tiles
Perhaps the most unique additions were two custom concrete chess tables with hand-laid translucent Mardi Gras glass tiles. These gleaming boards double as art installations and game surfaces. The interplay of sunlight and glass creates a visual spectacle, while offering a place for quiet strategy and conversation. It’s not unusual to see intense games between seasoned players or curious newcomers learning the ropes from a stranger.
Each of these installations was designed not only for longevity, but also for inclusiveness. The fixed seating, ADA-accessible design, and smooth, low-maintenance surfaces ensure that every visitor can participate.
Public Play as Civic Infrastructure
There’s a reason play is now considered essential infrastructure in modern urban design. It encourages health, mental well-being, social interaction, and public pride. In places like Yanaguana Garden, games become more than amusements—they become anchors of daily life and community identity.
Our concrete game tables are specifically designed for such roles. They require no electricity, no staff, and little maintenance, yet provide infinite hours of connection and joy. This kind of infrastructure supports not only recreation, but resilience. It says: this place was built for people, and people belong here.
A Legacy of Community and Creativity
The installations at Yanaguana Garden continue to serve thousands of visitors monthly. Children splash nearby while teens compete over cornhole. Seniors linger at the chess tables, while spontaneous ping pong tournaments break out in the Texas sun. These moments create memories that ripple outward into the community.
The custom chess tables in particular have become local landmarks. They reflect the park's emphasis on beauty, accessibility, and story. Just like the mosaic sculptures that tell the river's tale, our game tables tell their own stories—of togetherness, joy, and civic care.
Conclusion: A Garden That Grows More Than Plants
Yanaguana Garden is a place where ancient legend meets modern design. Where community activism leads to joyful installations. And where durable, thoughtfully placed games provide endless opportunities for laughter, learning, and connection.
At Stone Age Concrete Games, we’re honored to be a part of this urban transformation. It demonstrates how something as simple as a concrete ping pong table or chess table with Mardi Gras tiles can contribute to a city’s cultural and social fabric. In the end, these aren’t just games. They’re invitations—to gather, to play, and to belong.
We look forward to continuing our mission of bringing durable joy to public parks, schools, and communities across the country. If you're ever in San Antonio, stop by Yanaguana Garden and challenge a stranger to a game. You might leave with a story of your own.