San Maximum – B2SB Edition: Sewell Park

By DeMornay Harper
Blog Content Contributor

While Texas State is filled with amazing views and special spots, Sewell Park is a true gem that we have the privilege of claiming as part of our university’s campus. It is a piece of the San Marcos River, which is a part of the San Marcos Springs. The Springs are home to many endangered and threatened species like the Texas Blind Salamander and Texas Wild Rice, whose whimsical presence is a staple of look of the river. The sparkling clear water stays at a comfortable 72 degrees year round. Bobcats take total advantage of this and traditionally jump into the river after graduation, cap, gown and all. If that did not make this body special enough, even President Obama made a stop on his 2008 campaign trail here!

Sewell is named after Dr. S.M. “Froggy” Sewell, a mathematics professor at Texas State. He stumbled upon the river during the summer of 1916 and decided to make it the university’s official park. It was named Riverside Park until the forties, when the name was changed to honor its founder.

This enchanted space provides a plethora of fun outdoor activities. The six acres has tons of grassy areas for playing Frisbee (shout out Frisbee Dan) or soaking in some rays. There are picnic and barbeque areas, a basketball court and sand volleyball courts! One of the best features of the park is the Outdoor Center, which offers rental camping, boating and tubing equipment for Texas State students!

This place is special. It holds some serious mystical energy that feeds into the entire vibe of our campus. It grounds us while simultaneously lifting us up. I have gone to Sewell so many times when I just wanted to get out of my own head and I always instantly feel better. There is something about being surrounded by so much clean, open air that just brings mental clarity. When you go here you are surrounded by so much lightness that I feel truly permeates deep.

This Sunday, August 20th, KTSW is hosting an event at Sewell called Radio at the River. There will be live music from Chief and the Doomsday Device, BluMoon, and Rusty Dusty as well as a bunch of campus organizations to browse. Come join us at 7pm and take advantage of this enchanted place. See you there!

Featured image by DeMornay Harper.