Sewell Park

On a hot summer day in 1916, Dr. S.M. Sewell, a mathematics professor, decided that the university needed a park, with an area to swim. Back then, the river was only three feet deep. In 1917, the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries leased the college four acres of land along the river. College students, armed with mud scrapers and mules, cleaned the river bottom, built up the banks and smoothed the slopes. It was called Riverside Park until 1946, when it was renamed in honor of its founder, Sewell.

vintage photo of student sunbathing at sewell park

black and white photo of two women in a canoe on the san marcos river

two men in a canoe on the san marcos river

aerial photo of people walking on a bridge over a clear blue river

black and white photo of two women sitting on a river bank

The park's current look is the result of a $1 million renovation in 1984. Sewell is now a favorite student hangout on campus. The six-acre park features grassy banks for soaking up sun, playing Frisbee with friends, a basketball court, volleyball courts, and picnic and barbecue areas — all along the riverbank. Stairs provide easy access for swimming or snorkeling in the San Marcos River. With the Outdoors Center nearby, students, staff, and alumni can rent out kayaks, paddleboards, and other water equipment to use in the river.