Council Consideration Request was Filed to Rename Splashtown Drive to Honor NFL and Eastside Legend
San Antonio’s District 2 is moving forward with a proposal to rename a well-known East Side street, replacing a name tied to a long-closed water park with one honoring a local figure with deep roots in the community.
Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez filed a Council Consideration Request to rename Splashtown Drive to Willie Mitchell Drive.
The request comes years after Splashtown shut down operations in September 2021 following a 37-year run. While the property has since been redeveloped into a car dealership, the street name has remained unchanged.
According to the request, the council office met with neighbors from the United Homeowners Improvement Association and local businesses to determine a more appropriate name.
The goal, as outlined in the proposal, is to select a name that reflects both the history of the East Side and the people who have shaped it.
“District 2 states that nearby residential neighbors would like to honor an important member of this community, and the broader San Antonio community, by renaming the street to Willie Mitchell Drive,” the release states.
Willie Mitchell’s Impact On and Off the Field
Mitchell, who was raised on San Antonio’s East Side, attended and played football at Wheatley High School before the campus closed in 1970. His impact on the field began early, earning recognition as one of the top 50 high school football players in San Antonio history, according to San Antonio Sports.
He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1964 and quickly made his mark, earning all-pro honors as a cornerback the following year. Mitchell played a role in the Chiefs’ appearance in the first-ever American Football League World Championship game in 1967, now known as the Super Bowl, where they faced the Green Bay Packers.
Three years later, he returned with Kansas City and secured a championship victory in Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings, earning the only championship ring of his career.
After eight seasons with the Chiefs, Mitchell was traded to the Houston Oilers. His career was cut short due to a knee injury that required surgery, ultimately leading to his retirement.
A Lasting Legacy in San Antonio
Following his football career, Mitchell remained active in the San Antonio community. He helped establish San Antonio Fighting Back, an organization focused on leadership, mentorship, and community development.
Leaders describe him as a pillar of the East Side, noting that the proposed street name would recognize both his athletic achievements and his continued service to the city.
“I’m proud to honor one of San Antonio’s own East Side heroes, Mr. Willie Mitchell, who not only demonstrated excellence and commitment in athletics, but also continues to make San Antonio proud by giving of his time and experience to continue serving as a leader here in our city,” McKee-Rodriguez said.
“I hope this designation further reminds us of his example and serves as a source of inspiration for our community.”
Next Steps in the Process
The request has gained support from several councilmembers, including Sukh Kaur, Edward Mungia, Teri Castillo, and Ric Galvan.
The proposal will now move forward for a staff recommendation and is expected to be reviewed at an upcoming Governance Committee meeting. A date for that hearing has not yet been announced.
