Woodlawn Lake was the dream of real estate developers in the 1880s who wanted to build West End, a residential subdivision on San Antonio’s rural west side. Today, after more than 100 years, Woodlawn Lake remains a popular gathering spot for visitors from throughout San Antonio. Residents use a walking trail daily, fish from the boat dock, and swim at the pool. In the late 1990s the park became the site of the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration, complete with fireworks and a parade. It continues to draw enormous crowds each year.