In the 1960s, the West Side of San Antonio had few recreational opportunities for families. COPS/Metro Leader Atanacio Garcia worked tirelessly to change that. Last week, the San Antonio Natatorium was officially renamed to honor his legacy, ensuring his story—and the power of persistence—will be remembered.
As a father of young children in the 60s, Mr. Garcia noticed that thousands of kids in his West Side neighborhood had to travel for miles simply to access a swimming pool. The issue was personal. 
In a letter to city council, Garcia said, “As parents and grownups, we should be concerned not only about housing… and…education but we must also prepare them and help them make their way in life. We can teach them hygiene, good manners, to work, about religion, we can teach them how to dance and how to swim. All this shall make them useful to society.'"
Mr. Garcia went door to door in his neighborhood with his kids and his clipboard to gather petition signatures. He also regularly appeared at city council meetings to ensure the West Side would not be overlooked. Despite pushbacks and rude remarks from city officials, he never gave up.
After nearly 20 years of organizing, an olympic-sized pool and natatorium was built in 1981 across the street from Lanier High School. Since then, thousands of students and community members have benefited from the state of the art facility, with some even reaching the Olympic trials.
At the urging of his family and COPS/Metro leaders Patti Radle and Rose Garcia - Mr. Garcia’s daughter - city council unanimously voted to rename the “San Antonio Natatorium” to the “Atanacio Garcia Natatorium.” Mr. Garcia’s children, grandchildren, and community gathered to celebrate and honor his legacy. Several former athletes, including a San Antonian who swam competitively at Columbia University, COPS/Metro leaders, and city officials spoke about the life-changing impact the natatorium has had on the community.
In 2022, Rose was able to share her father’s story with Pope Francis, and he blessed photos of the late Atanacio Garcia.
West Side's Aquatic Dreams: Atanacio Garcia Natatorium Dedication Honors a Legacy with Olympic-Sized Pool in San Antonio, KENS5 [pdf]
A Man with a Vision: The Story Behind the Atanacio Garcia Natatorium, San Antonio Report [pdf]
West Side's Natatorium Renamed for the Man Who Fought to Bring it to Life, San Antonio Express News [pdf]
Faith in Action: Honoring legacy of Atanacio Garcia, Today's Catholic [pdf]