VIDA Park Named to Honor Texas A&M-San Antonio Professor
Megan Wise de Valdez stands next to Wise de Valdez Park signage
In March, VIDA announced that its second public park has been named Wise de Valdez Park in honor of Dr. Megan Wise de Valdez, a biology professor at Texas A&M-San Antonio. Wise de Valdez was invited along with her family, colleagues, and VIDA residents to a park naming ceremony to celebrate the occasion.
In addition to honoring the beloved educator, researcher, and mentor, the park now also serves as a symbol of the fruitful commitment between VIDA and the university. Wise de Valdez Park is also the site of “It Takes All Kinds,” a colorful metal sculpture that’s the first of several planned works of public art at VIDA.
Texas A&M-San Antonio and Partners Break Ground on Educare San Antonio Initiative
The Educare Network and Texas A&M University-San Antonio are preparing to open the first Educare school in the state of Texas. Educare San Antonio, the official groundbreaking for which was held Tuesday, April 1
In April, Texas A&M-San Antonio—along with its partners Pre-K 4 SA, Early Matters, and AVANCE—broke ground on Educare San Antonio, a transformative school that will increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early education on San Antonio’s Southside. At its current planned capacity, Educare San Antonio will serve 200 families with children ranging from 6 weeks old to kindergarten age.
The project also aims to positively impact the whole city’s childcare ecosystem, partnering with community organizations to offer training for childcare professionals and establish a workforce development hub that will help elevate the quality of childcare throughout the region.
University Health SaludArte Program Combines Art and Healing
Progress continues on two University Health facilities at VIDA that are currently under construction:
University Health’s Palo Alto hospital, a full-service hospital campus expected to open in 2027
University Health Vida Clinic, a primary and multi-specialty care center expected to open later this year
Among the innovative programs offered by University Health is SaludArte, which integrates artwork into the healthcare system’s environments. This involves acquiring or commissioning artwork for its buildings, hosting workshops for patients and staff, and putting on performances for patients staying in University Health facilities.
University Health is seeking artists and small businesses to work with SaludArte. Any interested artists or organizations should visit www.publicartist.org/UniversityHealth or email info@publicartist.org.
Los Arcos at VIDA, Community’s First Apartments, Celebrate Grand Opening
The entrance and leasing office of Los Arcos at Vida
Earlier this year, Los Arcos at VIDA celebrated its grand opening. This is a major milestone not just for VIDA, but also for San Antonio as a whole, as it’s the first apartment complex partially funded by the city’s 2022 affordable housing bond program.
Located conveniently close to Palo Alto College, Texas A&M-San Antonio, and key area employers, Los Arcos contributes to the increasing diversity of housing options available at VIDA and on the Southside.
First Townhomes at VIDA Are Complete
Among the diverse housing options becoming available at VIDA are townhomes. VIDA’s first townhomes are located at the heart of the community, putting their buyers near the upcoming pool and clubhouse, and a straight shot down University Way from Texas A&M-San Antonio and the future town center.
Built by Sitterle Homes, townhomes at VIDA come with modern interiors, energy-efficient features, 2-car garages, and private courtyards. They all come connected to VIDA’s private gig-speed internet, and yard maintenance is handled by Sitterle—making them an ideal option for buyers looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Stay tuned to the Community News page for more VIDA news and updates.