The San Antonio City Council has given the green light for the San Antonio Natatorium to be renamed in honor of community activist Atanacio Garcia, who was instrumental in bringing the Olympic-sized pool to the Westside neighborhood. In a unanimous decision, the council recognized the long-standing impact of Garcia's advocacy and commitment to his community.
According to the city's official website, Councilmember Teri Castillo remarked on the significance of the change, saying "Atanacio Garcia was a tireless advocate for his community, renaming the Natatorium with his namesake will permanently honor his efforts to bring a community pool to the Westside," she noted that San Antonio owes a great deal to his organizational endeavors now his name will be a permanent fixture in the place he helped to establish.
The decision came on the heels of a community input meeting organized by the Parks and Recreation Department along with the District 5 Office, held in February, where Garcia's family and friends vocally supported the name change. The meeting displayed original petitions and letters Garcia drafted to local leaders, highlighting the depth of his involvement in the Natatorium's establishment.
"We're proud to honor the legacy of Atanacio Garcia who was a person committed to community and service," stated Homer Garcia III, San Antonio Parks and Recreation Director, acknowledging Garcia's initiative, the indoor swimming facility enjoyed by families year-round, and his leadership which attributes to the community gem that it is known for catering to West Side residents and drawing patrons from all over the city.
