KTSW Loves: Private Park

By Lucas Kraft 

Promotions and Community Relations Member 

Private Park has garnered something of a larger-than-life reputation in San Marcos and beyond amongst musicians and fans–from folk to psych rock to death core–despite its humble nature hidden away in a corner of Nicola Alley. The space has provided a sanctuary for many who seek out community. When I moved to San Marcos, Private Park was one of the first places I came to in search of community in a new town.  

I had the privilege of speaking with Laura Benavides, the owner of Private Park, about the origins of the space and how it’s changed both her life and the lives of many San Martians.  

Laura and her family have lived in San Marcos since the mid-1990s. Though, they only came to own the property in 2006, following a devastating flood in 1998 that affected most of San Marcos and ruined the home which previously sat on the land. Laura’s father bought what is now Private Park and a neighboring property, which was condemned by the city. Over time, the land would come to serve as a gathering place for Laura and her family.  

“So, you know, it just seemed like; to be able to gather, it was starting to get to be a challenge to find a nice place here in San Marcos that would have something for the entire family. So, those babies and Grandma and Grandpa want to come too, you know, there’s a space for them. So how awesome, right?”  

There was never any intention for the space to play as significant of a role as a music venue for the greater San Marcos area. Though, it quickly became a full-time job for Laura with booking times selling out in a day, and musicians from Denton to San Antonio and beyond booking events. It allowed for a revitalization of the DIY music scene in San Marcos, in line with former and current institutions such as Stellar Coffee, Alchemy Records and Tantra.  

Laura spoke extensively of the sacred nature of Private Park in her family. It was described as that kind of raw power that resides in designating a space as a sanctuary or gathering place, through the repetition of that you begin to form a greater appreciation of the habitat that we share. In Laura’s eyes, respect for nature is key to utilizing Private Park to its fullest extent.  

“Oh, man! Yeah. So I originally created, just a platform. I had linoleum on it. The entire intent of it was for kids to come out and do like, socks skating on it during the wintertime, right? I had a hot chocolate bar like, and just, you know, small little things. But, I mean, once people saw that, it was like, oh, I can use this as a stage… And that’s when it really took off.” 

“I cannot tell you how much that filled my heart. I never would have thought that this place would have been such a haven. For musicians and performers of all types, and. I just, you know, I’m… like, I cannot be grateful enough for the community that has really come together to make this place so special. I mean, really, so many different groups come in and pour their love into the space.”  

Aside from Laura’s own work, independent organizers and bookers have found fulfillment and the steppingstones to full-time careers through the freedom that Private Park provides to experiment.  

“Blood Bath” is a music festival that’s been a reoccurring summer event for the past few years, which has become so uniquely ingrained into the San Marcos DIY scene. Between the “blood wrestling” and bands like Tetsuo, Harmony’s Demise and Shymotel, there are few venues in San Marcos that can accommodate this energy.  

More recently Private Park’s future remains uncertain following a cease-and-desist letter that Laura received from the city of San Marcos, which may impact her ability to provide a venue for community-centered events. The letter cites zoning law issues that pertain to Private Park being a recreational space. Laura had started a petition for signatures which, at our time of speaking, around 600 people had signed.

Furthermore, Grassroots’ “Save Private Park” movement has emerged, similarly in line with the “Save Tantra” campaign from earlier this year. Laura remains hopeful for the future of the space not only as a fixture of San Marcos but as a place deeply rooted in her family’s history. 

“You know everybody who comes out here loves it, you know? I mean, everybody, and you can feel it. You can feel the love that people pour into this space and it is sacred and it’s full of magic and I would love for it to continue. And I think, you know, I think getting maybe the word out to not just, you know, the community, but maybe to some of the right hubs.”