ABOUT WOODLAWN LAKE AND WOODLAWN SAILING CLUB

Last Updated May 01, 2008
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About Woodlawn Sailing Club

The Woodlawn Sailing Club was formed in 1939 on Woodlawn Lake. It is the home of one of the earliest Sunfish Fleets (#32) in the U.S. Other one design boat charters are the Snipe (#140) and the Windmill (#25). Due to the size of the lake, it is primarily used for board boat and centerboard boats as well as Radio Controlled Sailboats. Many San Antonio sailors began sailing in Woodlawn and then progressed to larger boats on other lakes and have gained national recognition as sailors, judges, and race committee management.

Woodlawn Lake is a wonderful place to experience the sport of sailing in San Antonio whether it be from the shore with a radio control or in a small boat. This is a family oriented experience and children as well as adults enjoy it with the camaraderie of true sailors. Events include regular practices as well as annual regattas hosted by the club. The lake lends itself to being a very safe body of water to learn to sail for sailors of all ages.

Woodlawn Lake Park

Woodlawn Lake Park is a beautiful 62-acre facility located just northwest of downtown. A city park since 1918, Woodlawn features an artificial lake of about 30 acres in size. It's popular with walkers and the site of the annual Citywide Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. The lake is available for fishing and non-motorized boating. Rentals at the park include the party house, pavilion, gym and softball field.

Woodlawn Lake Park History

Woodlawn Lake was the dream of real estate developers in the 1880s who wanted to build West End, a residential subdivision on San Antonio's rural west side. It was George W. Russ, president of the Rhode Island-based West End Town Company, who saw great potential in the flat pasture on Alazan Creek and made the dream come true. To attract residents, the creek was dammed to create West End Lake, which some reports say was as large as 80 acres. (Today it is about 30 acres.)

Visitors traveled by street car to enjoy what was called "the finest artificial lake in the south." Electric lights (still new at that time) illuminated the lake where visitors danced in an outdoor pavilion and rowed in small boats. In later years there were outdoor movies and vaudeville acts. The lake and surrounding land were privately owned until 1918 when they were deeded to the City. The name was changed to Woodlawn Lake and many improvements and additions were made to the 62-acre park in the next 87 years. Today, after more than 115 years, Woodlawn Lake remains a popular gathering spot for visitors from throughout San Antonio.

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The Woodlawn Sailing Club
tel: (210)-614-2856
e-mail: Ray Seta, Commodore