There has been much anticipation for the massive pirate-themed and inclusive playground, named Mitchell’s Landing, after it broke ground at a Northside park in San Antonio last November. While it was projected to open in April, the family updated the timeline after some roadblocks caused a delay.
The playground is named after Mitchell Chang, a 3-year-old boy who tragically drowned in February 2018 at the local swim school in Stone Oak. Mitchell’s Landing will be at the new Stone Oak park, Classen-Steubing Ranch Park, which is on track to open around the same time as the playground.
In a Facebook post on Monday, February 27, the Mitchell Chang Foundation announced that building permits caused the delay in plans. The family explained that the city forgot to include the playground when filing for state permits years ago. The foundation said a playground would normally not need a building permit. However, the playground will be at a park that is in the recharge zone for the Edwards Aquifer, which requires a permit.
Classen-Steubing Ranch Park will feature the all-inclusive private-theme playground named after Mitchell Chang.
The Mitchell Chang Foundation
The city quickly applied for the needed permit as soon as the issue was raised, the family said. For now, the playground equipment is manufactured and in storage for protection. As soon as the permit is received, the family said they resume putting the equipment on the ground at the park.
“We thank everyone for their grace and patience with this delay,” the family wrote in the post. “There isn’t hardly anything we want more than for families to start enjoying Mitchell’s Landing but this is definitely something we can’t rush. The permit will come and families will get to start enjoying this amazing inclusive playground, this year!”
The park is located on the city’s Northside at 20240 Hardy Oak Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78258, near Las Lomas Elementary School. Most of the park will remain in its natural state as only 43 acres will be developed, according to the city. Park officials hope to have soccer and softball fields, an education center, and miles of hiking and bike trails.
More details on the opening will be announced at a later date.