“Comanche Lookout Park is my favorite park,” begins one of the essays in the very limited edition book San Antonio’s Favorite Parks: Memories of Much Loved Parks, Shared by San Antonio Starbucks Customers. “Me and my family love to take our dog for walks.”
The essay is being read to me over the phone by San Antonio Parks Foundation President and former Mayor Lila Cockrell — her musical, almost girlish voice a preview of Monday morning’s presentation at the Starbucks Hear Music Store on the River Walk. At 10 a.m. September 17, Cockrell will read from some of the many essays collected through Starbucks locations citywide, and the coffee giant will present the nonprofit Foundation with a $500 check and the sole copy of the book. San Antonio’s Favorite Parks will be kept at the Foundation offices, says Cockrell, and perhaps be displayed at special events.
The book includes memories of the natural solitude of Eisenhower Park, the swing at MacArthur Park, and a story about barbecuing at Brackenridge titled “A Perfect Sunday in the Park.” But Cockrell, who hadn’t yet seen all of the essays, says she’s hoping to find one about one of her favorite SAPF projects: the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge, which is currently being restored.
