Finding Healing and Hope in Nature: Ruby City Celebrates 20 Years of Chris Park

At Rise Recovery, we believe that healing comes in many forms: through connection, creativity, and time spent in spaces that nurture the soul. This October, our friends at Ruby City are inviting the San Antonio community to experience just that as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chris Park, a one-acre oasis of art and nature created by the late artist and philanthropist Linda Pace in memory of her son, Christopher Goldsbury.

Since its opening in 2005, Chris Park has offered visitors a peaceful escape, a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect. It’s a living reminder of how art and nature can help us process grief and transform pain into something deeply beautiful.

Celebration Weekend at Chris Park

To mark this milestone, Ruby City will host a public celebration on Saturday, October 18 from 2:30–5:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, live music by Santita, storytelling experiences with local author Xelena González, a custom cake by Oh Yeah Cakes, and a celebratory toast honoring two decades of community and creativity. Guests can also collect a commemorative hand-printed poster by local artist Gilbert Martinez or a plant cutting from Chris Park, each a small, living piece of the park’s legacy.

The celebration continues Sunday, October 19, with a special tree-sitting meditation led by practitioner and composer Pamela Martinez, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the park.

A Legacy of Art, Memory, and Renewal

Chris Park was born out of love and loss, a vision of healing shaped by Linda Pace’s belief in art’s power to transform. Each detail, from the wisteria-covered entrance to the glowing glass pavers of Wednesday’s Child, reflects her hope that others might find peace and meaning in this living memorial.

Twenty years later, the park continues to inspire reflection, joy, and connection—values that echo the mission of Rise Recovery. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t a destination but a living process, rooted in community and care.

Plan Your Visit

Ruby City and Chris Park are open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and admission is always free. To learn more or RSVP for the anniversary events, visit rubycity.org/chris-park.

At Rise Recovery, we celebrate spaces like Chris Park that remind us of the beauty in renewal. If you or someone you love is ready to begin a healing journey of your own, contact us to learn more about our programs and community support.

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