Health & wellness
BY JARRETT WHITENER & THOMAS LEFFLER
Trail project to connect Austin, San Antonio
from the Alamo to the state Capitol. On April 8, Bexar County commissioners approved a resolution supporting the trail project, and during the 2025 Texas Legislature, House Bill 4230 was signed, establishing the trail. The bill was authored by state Rep. Will Metcalf and state Sen. Donna Campbell, and was sup- ported by a wide range of organizations focused on economic development in the state, according to a Sept. 18 news release. “Recreational trails are a win-win for Texas by bringing tourist dollars to a region and providing for a more healthy Texas and health care savings for Texans,” Campbell said in the release. Key players Municipalities and organizations across San Antonio are working to make the trail system a reality, approving key projects that will be con- nected with projects in neighboring communities. The city of San Antonio, Bexar County, Schertz, Selma, Comal County, New Braunfels and other San Antonio metropolitan areas have each approved trail projects that lay the foundation for
the Great Springs Project. “The Great Springs Project is still working hard on the Texas Bicentennial Trail, and Schertz’ Great Northern Trail and Dry Comal Creek Trail will be a part of that trail network,” Schertz Parks Director Lauren Shrum said. “The Dry Comal Creek Nature Park is still pending further design work, and we hope to get that started later this scal year.” Measuring the impact Upon completion, the trail is expected to generate around $56 million in annual economic bene ts. It will also help conserve a large portion of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, protecting a vital water source for Central Texas, according to the plan. Overall, the project aims to be constructed in time for the 200th anniversary of Texas, with a target opening date of Jan. 1, 2036. “I think a trail from [San Antonio] to Austin would be great for people who enjoy walking and biking,” San Antonio resident Rich Hernandez said. “A lot of people want to get outside and stay active.”
Travis County
Great Springs Project
Segments Travis County Hays County Comal-Hays County Comal County Bexar County
Hays County
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Over the course of 2025, multiple initiatives and governmental approvals helped the progression of the Great Springs Project, which aims to connect 100 miles of trails lining four of Texas’ great springs between Austin and San Antonio. The goal is to complete the trail by 2036, promoting the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage and enhancing economic development and outdoor recreation, according to the Great Springs Project plan updated in September. What’s happening? Utilizing urban and rural paths through Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs and San Antonio Springs, a network will be created
Comal County
Project projections Once completed, the Great Springs Project anticipates: 50,000 acres conservation goal by 2036 5,500 estimated walkers and runners daily 4,800 estimated cyclists daily 1.9 million estimated annual pedestrian trips 1.62 million estimated annual cyclist trips
The Great Springs Project aims to connect springs across Central Texas, including connections to Breckenridge Park in San Antonio.
Great Springs Project estimated annual bene ts Economic: $23.37M
Bexar County
Land and water: $19.24M Transportation: $11.44M Health: $1.87M
Total: $55.92M
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SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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