SAN ANTONIO – Former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger announced Tuesday that three major contributions will help pay for the construction of a natural land bridge at a park named in his honor.

Hardberger said that he and his wife, Linda, the Bill Kleese Foundation and Voelcker Trust will contribute $1 million each for the bridge that will connect the west and east sides of Phil Hardberger Park.

The rest of the $23 million project will be paid by fundraising of $10 million by the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy and the rest by city bonds, officials said.

Hardberger said he is very proud of the project.

"I would say it's important, right along with the things when I extended the (San Antonio) River from 2 to 13 miles and Main Plaza and some other things. Haven For Hope. I would put it very much in that category. Leaving a beautiful park for the city of San Antonio. It's their legacy."

San Antonio Parks and Recreation Director Xavier Urrutia said the bridge will allow people to view both sides of the park.

"What it allows people to do is to bypass having to use a car," he said. "They're able to bike, walk, run or just be able to stroll and enjoy the full difference of the park."

The land bridge will include a sky walk and an ADA-accessible trail.

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