At 250 Viesca, between the pool fence and the Little League fields, part of what used to be a parking lot is now a lawn. The City of Alamo Heights set the grand opening and dedication of Kellyanne Park, its "pool pocket park," for July 11, 2026. The city's plans called for a pavilion, a play area, public restrooms and walk-up service from the Heights Pool grill. The park covers just under half an acre, and this fall the city's two largest community events are being held on or beside it.
Here is what changed. For almost eight decades, the busiest summer address in Alamo Heights sat behind a membership gate. Now that address has a public side, and the city's two biggest fall events are planned around it.
A Pool That Belonged to Members
The city opened the pool in 1948, on land it has leased from the City of San Antonio since 1947. In 1990, the facility nearly closed. Instead, the city signed a sublease with Heights Pool Ltd., formed by Rick Shaw, to run it, according to a 2022 San Antonio Express-News report. Alamo Heights still owns the pool, and Heights Pool Ltd. still operates it.
That setup kept the pool alive, and it kept it private. Heights Pool remains for members and their guests. Next to it, on the public side, was the parking lot.
Kellyanne Park puts a public face on that corner. The city says the park was designed by architecture firm Ford, Powell & Carson and landscape architecture firm Coral Studios, and built by Malitz Construction. The plans also let the grill concessionaire serve walk-up customers from the park side. The park carries Kellyanne Lytal's name. As KSAT reported from the ribbon-cutting, it also honors Sarah Marsh and Lila Bonner, whose grandparents are part of the Alamo Heights community. The city describes it as "both a place of joy and remembrance."
The Food Service Now Has a Public Window
The operator calls the park-side service POOLSIDE (in the Park), and it is open to everyone with no membership needed. The Heights Pool hours and events page lists two weekly schedules: the regular weekly lineup at the pool and a separate set of specials in Kellyanne Park.
| Day | Every week at Heights Pool | Specials in Kellyanne Park, open to all |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Happy hour at POOLSIDE, 3 to 7 p.m. | Free ice cream from 5 p.m., while it lasts |
| Wednesday | Happy hour at POOLSIDE, 3 to 7 p.m. | Kids eat free with an adult entrée |
| Thursday | Happy hour at POOLSIDE, 3 to 7 p.m.; pasta night, then league pickleball 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Movie night on the lawn, happy hour with 20% off appetizers 4 to 7 p.m. |
| Friday | Fajitas and ritas, beef, chicken or combo | |
| Saturday | College football on every TV |
The park-side specials on that page are posted as the October lineup. The operator directs guests to @poolsideatkp and @alamoheightspool on Instagram for last-minute specials and weather closures, so check there for the current week.
The pool's season also runs longer this year. The 2026 regular season ran May 21 through September 7. Heights Pool then kept going with what it calls its first Off Season, from September 8 through December 13. That adds more than three months to the year, but the hours get shorter as the weather cools:
- October: closed Mondays; open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday noon to 9 p.m.
- November: closed Mondays and Tuesdays; open Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 8:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday noon to 9 p.m.
- December: open Friday through Sunday only, noon to 9 p.m., with Sunday, December 13 as the last day.
Off Season memberships are listed on the pool's passes page. The lawn next door needs no pass at all. That is why the park matters more as the pool's hours shrink.
The City Started a New Tradition on the Lawn
When the City of Alamo Heights wanted to start a new tradition, it chose this spot. The city's announcement of the 1st Annual Alamo Heights Chili Cook Off asks the question directly: "Where else would be a better spot than at the Kellyanne Park?" The event is a joint effort between the city and Heights Pool.
It runs Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Kellyanne Park and the Heights Pool parking lot at 250 Viesca. There is no fee to compete or to attend. The lineup includes:
- A chili contest with cash prizes, open to the first 22 cooks who sign up by emailing [email protected]
- A cornhole tournament, also with cash prizes
- Texas Tide as the opening band from noon to 4 p.m., followed by The Texases from 4 to 6 p.m.
- College football streamed in the park, including UT vs. LSU and A&M vs. Tennessee
- Free chili samples from contestants, plus POOLSIDE food and drink service across the event area
- Bounce houses, face painting and balloon artists for children
The announcement promises bragging rights for the best chili "at least on this side of the San Antonio River." For a first-year event, the city chose a modest size: 22 cooking spots on a half-acre lawn.
A Week Later, San Antonio's Oldest Holiday Parade Finishes There
On Saturday, November 21, the 48th Annual Alamo Heights Holiday Parade ends at the same address. According to the parade's official site, it is the oldest holiday parade in San Antonio. It began in 1977 under the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, and the Midtown Business Association has coordinated it since 2024.
Before the parade, there is a timed one-mile race coordinated by IRUN Texas. Registration is on RunSignup. The race starts at 5:30 p.m. at Alamo Heights High School, 6900 Broadway, and follows the parade route downhill to the pool. The parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. According to 78209 Magazine, the route runs from Broadway along Alamo Heights Boulevard toward the pool. The magazine also says this year's parade will feature community dance groups, local nonprofits and a closing appearance by Santa Claus.
In the same article, Midtown Business Association President Edgar Gonzalez credited the title sponsor:
"We're honored H-E-B has continued their support as title sponsor of this beloved San Antonio tradition. The Holiday Parade brings families and neighbors together, and that's what the holidays are all about."
The parade is free. 78209 Magazine reports that spectators are asked to bring new toys to drop in the H-E-B shopping carts along the route. The donations go to the Elf Louise Christmas Project, which provides Christmas gifts for children in the San Antonio community.
At the pool, the night ends with the parade's after-party. The parade site describes it as local businesses providing food, drinks, games, children's activities and entertainment. The finish line is 250 Viesca, the same address as Kellyanne Park.
The Calendar From Here to December 13
- Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: 1st Annual Alamo Heights Chili Cook Off, Kellyanne Park and the Heights Pool parking lot, free
- Saturday, November 21, 5:30 p.m.: Midtown Mile race starts at Alamo Heights High School, 6900 Broadway
- Saturday, November 21, 5:45 p.m.: 48th Annual Alamo Heights Holiday Parade steps off, finishing at the pool at 250 Viesca for the after-party
- Fridays through Sundays in December, noon to 9 p.m.: the final weekends of the pool's Off Season
- Sunday, December 13: last day of the 2026 Off Season
After December 13, the pool closes for the season. Kellyanne Park is a city park built outside the pool area, so the pool's closing date does not apply to it.
A city calendar like this one, with a chili cook-off in mid-November and a parade a week later, is part of what a home in Alamo Heights offers. If you are wondering how your own home fits into that picture, Paulette Jemal is happy to walk through it with you whenever the timing suits you. Request Your Luxury Home Valuation.
