North San Antonio Edition | January 2026

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North San Antonio Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 JAN. 22FEB. 19, 2026

2026 Health & Wellness Edition

103 miles and counting

Local ocials work to expand San Antonio’s trail network

INSIDE

Phil Hardberger Park has 8 miles of trails spanning its 330 acres.

PARKS KUGLE COMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Check out a new La Panadería Bakery Café location o Loop 1604 (Page 4)

Government: Read about San Antonio council elections moving from May to November (Page 6)

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Andrew Creelman Parks Kugle

Thomas Leffler Ethan Thomas Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo Alissa Foss Laura Patino Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez

Sierra Martin Managing Editor

Melanie Bostic General Manager

Heather Demere San Antonio Market President

Correction: Volume 5, Issue 3 The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases contains over 1,000 donated brains in its brain bank. Additionally, Adante Independent Living opened in 2011.

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Impacts

Stone Oak

5 La Panadería Bakery Café This local coffee shop and bakery chain has opened its fifth area location, offering a Mexican-inspired selection of specialty coffee, baked goods and more. • Opened Dec. 17 • 1011 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • www.lapanaderia.com 6 Outlaw Pickle This new Western-themed pickleball facility will offer patrons indoor pickleball courts, a full-service bar, restaurant, pro shop, clinics, lessons and more. • Opening Jan. 15 • 618 NW Loop 410, Ste. 202, San Antonio • www.outlawpickle.com

CAMP BULLIS

281

SETRD.

1604

TREELINE PARK

Hollywood Park

1604

Shavano Park

Coming soon

7 Crunch Fitness The nationwide gym chain is adding a new location in San Antonio, offering members traditional strength and cardio equipment, tanning beds, 24/7 access, turf area and more. • Opening summer 2026 • 4319 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio • www.crunch.com/locations/sa-thousand-oaks Waymo The self-driving rideshare and taxi service is completing its expansion into San Antonio next year, offering residents a new way to travel across the city. • Launching 2026 • Serving San Antonio • www.waymo.com

DAVID EDWARDS DR.

410

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bistro The local coffee shop chain has opened a fifth area location, offering a full espresso bar and breakfast and lunch options. • Opened Dec. 5 • 20079 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste. 3100, San Antonio • www.coffeecw.com 4 RapidCare Emergency Room The clinic offers patients traditional acute care medicine with short wait times. The center has X-ray machines, an MRI and more diagnostic equipment. • Opened Dec. 16 • 13402 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio • www.rapidcareemergency.com

Now open

1 Tulum Mexican Cuisine Offering classics like puerco en salsa verde con papas and tostadas de pollo al pibil, the new high-end Mexican restaurant also has a full-service bar and outdoor seating. • Opened Nov. 20 • 17026 Bulverde Road, Ste. 112, San Antonio • Facebook: Tulum Mexican Cuisine 2 Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway The new child-focused dental clinic offers standard cleanings, check-ups and exams. • Opened Dec. 1 • 2211 NW Military Hwy., Ste. 119, Castle Hills • www.wellnesspediatricdentistry.com

Relocations

8 Brides by Elizabeth The bridal store, previously located at 1120 West Blanco Road, moved to a larger location, offering wedding dress consultations and more. • Opened November • 17595 Blanco Road, Ste. 100, San Antonio • www.bridesbyelizabeth.com

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Epiphany Dermatology Starting Dec. 3, Dermatology Associates of San Antonio changed its name to Epiphany Dermatology after partnering with the Austin-based company. • Three locations throughout North San Antonio • www.epiphanydermatology.com 12 McAllister Park A new mountain bike trail is opening soon at this city park. • Opening spring 2026 • 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road, San Antonio • www.mcallisterpark.org

Expansions

Coming soon

9 Morgan’s Wonderland This accessibility-focused amusement park is adding a new ride called WingZ, the first tower ride to be handicap accessible. • Opening 2026 • 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio • www.morganswonderland.org

In the news

10 Semmes Branch Library This branch of San Antonio’s library system celebrated its 20th anniversary on Dec. 13. Semmes Branch Library opened in 2005, according to a news release. • 15060 Judson Road, San Antonio • www.mysapl.org/Visit/Locations/Semmes-Library 11 Thousand Oaks Automotive The local auto repair shop celebrated its 30th anniversary, offering residents traditional car tune-up services, engine repair, axle realignment and more.

Closings

14 Teriyaki Madness This new fast casual restaurant offers completely customizable teriyaki bowls with a wide selection of toppings, meats and sauces. • Opened Dec. 19 • 18410 N. Hwy. 281, San Antonio • www.teriyakimadness.com

13 Shades of Green The local plant nursery closed at the end of 2025, but is now building a new public garden for residents to enjoy. • Closed Dec. 31

• 334 W. Sunset Road, San Antonio • www.shadesofgreenlegacy.com

• 2555 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio • www.thousandoaksautomotive.com

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Government

San Antonio moves city elections from May to November

In an effort to increase voter turnout for munic- ipal elections, the San Antonio City Council voted to move city elections from May to November of odd-numbered years Dec. 18. The overview Prior to the vote, city elections have been held in May of odd-numbered years, but, due to a change to the Texas Election Code during the 89th legislative session, cities can change their election date to November of odd-numbered years through passing an ordinance. The ordi- nance supersedes the city charter provision that requires a different general election date. Moving the election date from May to Novem- ber will extend the current City Council’s terms by six months. City Council cannot change the deadline back to May without legislative author- ity. Proponents of moving the election to Novem- ber also highlighted the roughly $800,000-$1 million in savings to San Antonio taxpayers.

District 9 council member Misty Spears said the new date is an incremental change in the right direction and would produce a more engaged voter turnout. “Moving elections from May to November puts municipal races in a time of year when voters are engaged, already informed and are in the habit of showing up,” Spears said. District 10 council member Marc Whyte spoke in opposition to the change. “[By approving the ordinance] we would all be, without any voter participation, giving ourselves six more months in office ... I think that is going to further the distrust in the voting process,” Whyte said. Looking ahead The COSA Department of Communications and Engagement team will prepare a public awareness plan to implement ahead of the 2029 election.

Historical voter turnout in Bexar County June 10, 2017: COSA runoff election May 6, 2017: General election Nov. 3, 2020: General election Nov. 7, 2023: General election June 10, 2023: COSA runoff election May 6, 2023: General election Nov. 5, 2024: General, charter election June 7, 2025: COSA runoff election 99,252 116,222 140,027 15,903 161,712 143,164

773,796

763,198

May 3, 2025: Joint general special and bond election Nov. 4, 2025: General election

116,604

248,700

SOURCE: BEXAR COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY PARKS KUGLE

San Antonio green lights new veterinary hospital As part of the continued effort to expand San Antonio’s Animal Care Services facilities, the City Council approved a $15.32 million project Dec. 11 with F.A. Nunnelly Company, which will construct a new 14,500-square-foot state-of-the- art veterinary hospital and renovate the existing 3,000-square-foot veterinary clinic. What you need to know The project includes administrative offices, a surgical suite, animal holding rooms and kennels,

San Antonio to enhance, streamline code enforcement In an effort to further improve services, the San Antonio Development Services Department, or DSD, has implemented a multi-phase strategic plan for code enforce- ment, which they used to brief San Antonio City Council on Dec. 3. In a nutshell Known as the Code Compliance Strategic Plan, DSD Director Amin Tohmaz said the department intends to centralize code enforcement data on one website, help educate the public on city code, develop new, easy-to-read publications, flyers and graphics, and train staff to support and engage in community outreach. “This strategic plan is really about part- nership with the community, transparency and continuous improvement,” Tohmaz said. The strategic plan will also treat vacant lots as a major quality-of-life and safety issue. The department will rely on annual notices and immediately abate lots near schools where grass exceeds 48 inches. Also highlighted in the plan is the need for proper staffing. Tohmaz said that since the last workload study, the city has grown significantly, while staffing has remained the same, and that the DSD may require a 10%-15% staff increase.

spay and neuter clinics and triage centers. Funds will be taken from the 2022 General Obligation Bond Program, included in the fiscal year 2026-27 capital budget. Stay tuned Construction is estimated to begin in winter 2026 and be completed by fall 2027.

Located at 4710 Highway 151, San Antonio, the campus currently consists of 11 buildings that house administrative offices, operating rooms and treatment and holding facilities. Prior to the vote, District 2 council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez said the project will give ACS the proper resources it has lacked. “I was proud to champion this hospital because we know that the needs of ACS are great, and when they don’t have the resources that they need to perform the work our community expects and needs, it is a detriment to morale, to trust and to community safety,” Rodriguez said.

Animal Care Services

151

Hollywood Park updates firefighter pay cycle

that the savings will come from a higher overtime threshold, which will change from 106 hours to 182 hours. He said that due to FLSA rules, two out of three firefighters’ repeating shift patterns exceed the 106-hour threshold for overtime in the current 14-day window. With the 24-day cycle, firefighters won’t automatically earn overtime just from their normal schedule. To offset and minimize pay loss, Burnside said the department would also like to implement an incentive pay in conjunction with a pay cycle shift in order to offset lost income.

To reduce the amount of overtime hours fire- fighters work while remaining compliant with the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA, the Hollywood Park City Council voted to transition firefighters’ overtime accrual pay cycle from a 14-day pay cycle to a 24-day pay cycle Dec. 16. The gist Fire Chief Eric Burnside said the new system uses a flat 112 hours per pay period, giving firefighters consistent, predictable paychecks. According to Burnside’s estimates, the move will save the city $4,000 annually. Burnside explained

Focus areas include:

Improved communication

Educational materials

Hours prior to change

Hours after change

Hollywood Park firefighters work hours

152 hours

240 hours

Vacant lot management

Firefighters still work a total of 2,912 hours per year, but receive an additional 88 regular hours.

Proactive versus reactive enforcement

Regular hours Overtime hours

Staffing, workload and hardship referral support

2,760 hours

2,672 hours

SOURCE: CITY OF HOLLYWOOD PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Education

NEISD looks to build the cybersecurity workforce of the future

Sean Maika, outgoing North East ISD superin- tendent, said students who leave the district’s Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation Magnet School Program, or ICSI, are more prepared for a career in cybersecurity than 40% of San Antonio’s current workforce. “I’ve been a part of different groups, talking about ICSI and talking with industry [profes- sionals] about what their needs are, what their demands are, and then how ICSI can help them meet the workforce need,” Maika said. The big picture ICSI serves all seven NEISD high schools during three school periods. The program has courses for all four grade levels and focuses on different skill sets and certifications each year. Eric Asel, ICSI instructor, said roughly 150 students attend each period, for a total of around 450 across all four grade levels. He noted that students typically earn one certification per year,

with an average of three to five, while some have earned up to eight. Facilities at ICSI include two security operations center rooms, which contain wall displays, threat maps and “capture the flag” competition setups; two networking labs with racks, routers and switches; and multiple standard classrooms. The facility also hosts CyberPatriot events, a national youth cyber defense competition organized by the CyberTexas Foundation. Asel said the 2024-25 school year saw the first full graduating class of 66 students. “I want to say, like 62 of them went either to college or military, and then only like four or five went straight for a job,” Asel said. Zooming in Each year at ICSI has a particular focus, with seniors moving onto highly individualized pathways that include internships with local companies.

Student opportunities at ICSI

Earn two credit hours of instruction while receiving daily transportation to ICSI Experience working with industry-standard hardware, software and platforms Learn from cybersecurity workforce professionals and NEISD instructors Gain hands-on experience through on-site visits with cybersecurity companies in San Antonio Compete in various competitions

SOURCE: NEISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY PARKS KUGLE

During its Nov. 11 meeting, the Northside ISD board of trustees discussed closing high school campuses during lunch periods beginning in the 2026-27 school year, which is one of a series of measures the district is taking to increase student safety. What’s happening? Jo Ann Fey, deputy superinten- dent for administration, presented proposed changes to the high school lunch procedure beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The district plans to close lunch periods at certain high schools. Due to the policy change, students NISD to limit high school open campus lunches During its Dec. 8 meeting, the North East ISD board of trustees voted unanimously to implement a 175-day school year for the 2026-27 school year. What you need to know The reduction of the school year to 175 days is due to a change in state law, where districts are still required to meet the 75,600 instructional minutes, but not required to maintain a 180-day school year, according to Esmer- alda Munoz, executive director of learning support. Additionally, the updated school year will also allow the district greater flexibility when using Addi- tional Days School Year funding for summer school. District officials NEISD to implement 175- day school year

“We are looking at [closing campus during] high school lunches as an opportunity to provide more safety to our kids ...” JO ANN FEY, DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION

at affected high schools will be required to stay on campus for lunch. However, students who have earned college, career and military readiness status may be allowed to go off-campus for lunch as an incentive. Stay tuned High schools that will have a closed campus for lunch will be announced in January.

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decided to push for a 175-day school year after polling families and district staff. Munoz said that prior to bringing the proposed calendar to the board, district staff created two 175-day calendars and two 180-day calendars and gathered feedback from both the community and staff members. Staff then held votes to narrow down which calendar to present to the board. Looking ahead The new school year will begin Aug. 17, 2026, and end May 27, 2027.

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Transportation

BY PARKS KUGLE

WILDERNESS OAK

PEACEMAKER

1863 STARLIGHT DR.

Ongoing project

Stone Oak

CAMP BULLIS

STONE OAK PKWY. KNIGHTS CROSS DR. EVANS RD.

SMITHSON VALLEY RD.

BABCOCK RD.

CLASSEN SPUR

Hollywood Park

1604

Shavano Park

REDLAND RD.

BULVERDE RD.

UTSA BLVD.

GREEN SPRING DR.

VANCE JACKSON RD.

281

KNOLLCREEK DR. CLASSEN RD.

DE ZAVALA RD.

6 I-10 and Loop 1604 interchange project • Project: Part of the Loop 1604 North Expansion Project, the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange project will consist of eight flyover ramps, roundabouts, a high-occupancy vehicle lane and other interchange improvements, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. • Update: TxDOT opened the sixth and seventh flyover ramps Nov. 17, connecting eastbound I-10 to both directions of Loop 1604. All eight flyover ramps are expected to be open by the end of 2026. Known as Segment 2, the interchange is 65% done. • Timeline: 2022-2027 • Cost: $463 million • Funding source: state and federal funds

P R U E R D

BABCOCK RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

widen the road to 86 feet, expand it to four lanes, add a center turn lane, and add a sidewalk and a shared- use path, as well as drainage improvements and utility adjustments. The estimated construction start date was moved from summer 2025 to summer 2026, according to city documents. • Timeline: summer 2026-summer 2028 • Cost: $14.6 million • Funding sources: 2022 General Obligation Bond and Bexar County 4 Babcock Road (West Hausman to UTSA Boulevard) project Project: Part of San Antonio’s 2022-27 bond program, the project will widen roughly 0.4 miles of Babcock Road into a four-lane roadway with a center turn lane. The project will also add sidewalks, curbs and driveway approaches, build a mid-block pedestrian crossing and add drainage improvements. Update: Currently in the design phase, the project’s original timeline has been delayed from 2025 to 2026, according to city documents. • Timeline: winter 2026-fall 2027 • Cost: $10 million • Funding sources: 2022 general obligation bond, CPS Energy, San Antonio Water System and the Tree Preservation Fund 5 Classen Road (Classen Spur to Knollcreek Drive) project Project: The project will build several roadway improvements, such as adding sidewalks, curbs, driveway approaches, a multibox drainage culvert and bicycle lanes. Update: Currently in the design phase, the project will widen the roadway from 78 feet to 86 feet within the right of way. The project will add four 11-foot lanes, a 12-foot turn lane, a 10-foot shared-use path and a 6-foot sidewalk, according to city documents. • Timeline: summer 2026-winter 2028 • Cost: $10.3 million • Funding source: 2022 General Obligation Bond and the San Antonio Water System

Upcoming projects

1 Vance Jackson Road (Huebner Road to Wurzbach Road) project Project: Part of the city of San Antonio’s 2022-2027 bond program, work includes a series of roadway improvements, such as adding a consistent two-way center turn lane, building improved sidewalks and a shared-use path and installing underground drainage to low-water crossings. The project on Vance Jackson Road stretches from Huebner Road to Wurzbach Road. Update: The project is currently in the design phase and is estimated to begin construction in 2027, according to city documents. • Timeline: winter 2027-fall 2028 • Cost: $16.4 million • Funding source: 2022-2027 bond program 2 Smithson Valley Road Low Water Crossing Project Project: Part of an interlocal agreement with Comal County, Bexar County is improving a low-water crossing on Smithson Valley Road at Cibolo Creek in Northern Bexar County. The project is designed for a 10-year storm event. It includes road reconstruction and a new bridge over Cibolo Creek near the intersection of Smithson Valley Road and FM 1863, according to Bexar County officials. Update: Bexar County approved an interlocal agreement with CPS Energy for roughly $277,342 for utility adjustments along the roadway, according to county documents • Timeline: January 2026-October 2026 • Cost: $2.8 million • Funding sources: Bexar and Comal counties 3 Bulverde Road Phase 2 Project: Part of San Antonio’s 2022-27 bond program, Phase 2 will construct improvements on Bulverde Road from Green Spring Drive to Redland Road. These include new sidewalks, curbs, driveway approaches, drainage and bicycle facilities. The project will also address road wear and tear and an existing low-water crossing. Update: Currently in the design phase, the project will

Ongoing projects

7 Evans Road Corridor project Project: The Evans Road Corridor Project will stretch from Peacemaker to Barbara Bush Middle School. It will include two new traffic signals, asphalt milling, overlay work, sidewalks, curb ramps, driveway approaches, a signalized pedestrian crossing and median modifications. Update: According to city documents, the project was awarded to E-Z Bel Construction LLC during the Sept. 11 • Funding source: 2022-2027 bond program 8 Loop 1604 from US 281 to I-10 Project: Part of the Loop 1604 North Expansion Project, the Loop 1604 from US 281 to I-10 project aims to upgrade the transit corridor from a four-lane expressway to a 10-lane expressway. Additional upgrades include reconfiguring the layout of auxiliary lanes and entrance and exit ramps, and adding a HOV lane in each direction. Update: Currently under construction, the project, which is Segment 3 of the larger project, is 85% complete, and ahead of schedule with a projected completion of spring 2026 instead of the original 2027 deadline. • Timeline: 2021-2026 • Cost: $279 million • Funding source: state and federal funds San Antonio City Council meeting. • Timeline: fall 2025-summer 2027 • Cost: $1.45 million

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY PARKS KUGLE

Health & Wellness Edition

2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This guide features the latest updates on health and wellness resources in the North San Antonio area, along with regional trends in achieving a healthier lifestyle. In this edition, our cover story provides updates to The Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, a large trail that stretches across the city, and has the future goal of creating a loop around San Antonio. Our reporters also give an update to the Great Springs Trail Project, which intends to stretch from Austin to San Antonio. Once completed, the project will create a network of trails connecting the Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs and San Antonio Springs. For those interested in getting into a trending hobby, check out our Pickleball Guide, which lists some of the regional courts, alongside terms of the game to know.

What's inside

Read about updates to the Great Springs Trail project (Page 12)

Sierra Martin Managing Editor smartin@ communityimpact.com

Check out a regional Pickleball Guide (Page 14)

Learn about the Greenway trail system in San Antonio (Page 16)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Parks programs oer ways to be active in the community

Nicole McLeod, program analyst for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Volunteer Services Division, said the parks department’s volunteer programs are designed to oer a wide range of activities suited to all ages and abilities. “Our goal is to oer a variety of projects that appeal to dierent ages, backgrounds and areas of town,” McLeod said. “So whether it’s garden days, litter pickups or cemetery stewardship, people can nd a way to get involved that ts their interests

Volunteer opportunities

Trail watch Litter cleanup Waterway and creek cleanups Cemetery stewardship Special event days, such as Arbor Day SA

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

and schedule.” The framework

at www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/Parks/ Volunteer. “We post new opportunities at least once or twice a week, so there’s always something avail- able,” McLeod said. The local impact Approximately 9,751 volunteers participated in volunteer opportunities in scal year 2024-25, McLeod said.

Staed by McLeod and Andre Dyer, the Volun- teer Services Division coordinates a mix of ongoing programs, stand-alone projects and partner-led events. This includes gardening at various parks, litter pickups, cemetery stewardship programs and stand-alone events such as Earth Day San Antonio, Monarch Festival and Arbor Day for SA. Residents can nd volunteer opportunities

The volunteer program partners with multiple organizations for cleanup opportunities across San Antonio. (Courtesy San Antonio Parks and Recreation)

NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

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 benets. 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

130

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 benets Economic: $23.37M

Bexar County

Land and water: $19.24M Transportation: $11.44M Health: $1.87M

Total: $55.92M

410

SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: GREAT SPRINGS PROJECTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322 DE ZAVALA 5219 De Zavala Rd (210) 561-0900

VINEYARD 1309 N Loop 1604 W (210) 408-8206

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

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Health & wellness

Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity across the United States, and that growth can be felt right here in the San Antonio area. According to previous reporting from Community Impact , a new indoor venue called Texas Pickle Hall opened near San Antonio this year. Additionally, three others called The Picklr are planning to open within the next three months across the metropolitan area, plus another called The Outlaw Pickle. According to USA Pickleball's 2024 Annual Growth Report, there is an estimated total of 15,910 public courts throughout the United States. Just last year, nearly 4,000 new courts opened, according to the report. USA Pickleball is the governing body for the sport in the United States. Read about nine of those venues that are now open in and around San Antonio, as well as some tips from the official rulebook on the basic rules of the game and terms to know for beginners. San Antonio’s guide to pickleball

New Braunfels

NB Pickleball Club The club’s facility features three climate- controlled and Seal Master indoor courts. NB Pickleball Club offers lessons with certified professional instructors, open tournaments and open play. The venue also has cameras to see replays from games, special senior events and a junior league. • 1269 Summerwood Drive, Ste. 201, New Braunfels • www.nbpickleballclub.com Cranky Pickle This venue has six outdoor pickleball courts plus two covered courts, a pro shop and gathering spaces for private events. Players can choose to play in leagues for all skill levels, participate in special pickleball events, or take lessons from professional, certified instructors. • 624 Krueger Canyon, New Braunfels • www.thecrankypickle.com John Newcombe Country Club Featuring eight outdoor pickleball courts, this local country club hosts public pickleball clinics and tournaments for all skill levels, has a pro shop for equipment, and also runs special event programming for club members. • 625 Mission Valley Road, New Braunfels • www.newkscc.com/adult-pickleball-programs

The Courthouse This restaurant and sports venue features six indoor pickleball courts and four outdoor padel courts, plus a team of certified coaches for tips and lessons. The courts are attached to a full-service bar and restaurant. • 350 Dragoon Xing, New Braunfels • www.thecourthouse.net

North San Antonio

Epoch Pickleball Home to four indoor, climate-controlled pickleball courts, Epoch Pickleball offers open clinics, tournaments and private events. The pickleball venue also has an on-site business center and pro shop for players. • 21750 Hardy Oak Blvd., Bldg. 2, San Antonio • www.epochcenter.io Dill Dinkers This venue—locally owned by Brian and Karen Birdy—features five indoor pickleball courts available for open play, lessons, leagues and private events for all skill levels. Dill Dinkers also has a pro shop that sells equipment. • 18450 Blanco Road, Ste. 101, San Antonio • https://dilldinkers.com The King of Padel Located in the heart of San Antonio, this business offers both indoor padel and pickleball courts, lessons, a pro shop, clinics, tournaments, and more. • 314 Nolan St., San Antonio • www.thekingofpadel.com/padel-san-antonio

Rules of the game

According to the 2025 Official USA Pickleball Rulebook, the sport is played either as singles or in teams of two.

Chicken N Pickle Both a restaurant and a pickleball venue, Chicken N Pickle offers six indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts available for private events, parties and gatherings. The establishment also has equipment rentals, weekly clinics and programming • 5215 UTSA Blvd., San Antonio • www.chickennpickle.com/location/san-antonio

When serving the ball, a player must hit it diagonally across the court to the other team.

Players can only serve the ball once, and the first serve from each team must be completed on the right- hand side of the court. For scoring, points can only be scored by the serving team or player. Games traditionally run until one team scores at least 11 points and wins by more than two points. teams must allow the ball to hit the ground once before returning it over the net and back to the other team The game is based on the two- bounce rule, which means both

Boerne

Boerne Tennis Center Under the city of Boerne Parks and Recreation department, this facility offers private lessons, clinics and private court reservations for both pickleball and tennis. Boerne Tennis Center also operates a pro shop with gear, merchandise and more. • 106 City Park Road, Boerne • www.boernetennis.com

SOURCE: USA PICKLEBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Terms to know

Northeast San Antonio Metrocom

Fault: any actions that stop play or award a point to the team serving the ball Line calls: any ball that hits the ground on the lines of the court is considered in- bounds Non-volley zone: a 7-foot zone surrounding the net, within which the ball cannot land and the player cannot stand Rally scoring: an alternative scoring method where both teams can score at any time, regardless of who is serving Service sequence: the method in which the ball is served, typically by the player on the right-hand side of the court Side-out: only the serving team can score points in this scoring system Two-bounce rule: after serving, the returning team can only let the ball hit the ground once before hitting it back

Texas Pickle Hall The 28,700-square-foot venue features 12 indoor pickleball courts. Texas Pickle Hall offers league play, tournaments, private lessons and clinics. The venue also has locker rooms and a pro shop.

Alexander Komet, Texas Pickle Hall’s chief operating officer, said their goal is to make the sport more accessible.

• 201 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak • www.texaspicklehall.com

SOURCE: USA PICKLEBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

103 miles and counting From the cover

The big picture

Eisenhower Park

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Stretching over 100 miles in a loop around the city, the Howard W. Peak Greenway has over 50 major trailheads, with links to local parks and approximately 1,600 acres of green space near creeks and natural areas. District 9 council member Misty Spears said the greenway has revolutionized how San Antonians interact with their city. “It’s one of the [greatest] quality of life investments we’ve been able to make for San Antonio, particularly in North San Antonio, to provide a safe place for recreation, unite neighborhoods and connect our communities with nature—all while protecting our drinking water supply by preserving land over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone,” Spears said. Brandon Ross, capital programs manager for the parks and recreation department, said the city celebrated completing 100 miles of trails in 2022 and has now finished roughly 103 miles, with an additional 6 miles currently under construction. Ross said funding for the greenway began in 2000 with a sales tax initiative, with new initiatives passed in 2005, 2010 and 2015. Around 2020, funding shifted away from sales tax toward bonds. “When the 2020 bond was coming around, the sales tax was decided to be used for something else,” Ross said. “And so at that point, the county and the city basically strategized on how to fund it from that point forward.” The newest voter-approved funding, part of the 2022 bond program, provided a major infusion of $103.5 million in funding, while Bexar County furnished $84.3 million in a one-time 10-year commitment, Ross said.

Valero trailhead

Voelker Homestead trailhead

Fox Park

McAlister Park

Bamberger Park

Buddy Calk trailhead

Lady Bird Johnson Park

O.P Schnabel Park

Phil Hardberger Park

P P

Leon Vista Park

281

Mainland trailhead

P P

Salado Creek

P P

151

P P

410

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410

Howard W. Peak Greenway trail network

35 HWP completed trails (as of 2021) Future trails San Antonio River Walk trails Trailhead access points:

Leon Creek Greenway Salado Creek Greenway Westside Creek & San Antonio River Walk Medina River Greenway

Mitchell Lake

San Antonio River

Medina river

281

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

The specifics

San Antonio park ratings The Trust for Public Land ParkScore annually ranks 100 comparable cities across the country in five categories.

Ross said the greenway comprises multiple trail networks, such as the Medina River Greenway, Leon Creek Greenway and Salado Creek Greenway, with each offering a unique experience. “Every one of these trail segments are a little bit different from each other,” Ross said. Henry Rosales, president and CEO of the American Volkssport Association, said the green- way has transformed San Antonio from a largely unwalkable community to an environment that encourages residents to get outside, exercise and experience the outdoors.

“When we create walkable communities, [with] trails like this, people get out and utilize them,” Rosales said. According to the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that builds parks and protects green spaces, San Antonio uses 9% of its land for parks and recreation, which is lower than the national average of 15%. The nonprofit ranked San Antonio’s park system 57th out of 100, with 50.6 points out of 100.

Points earned

Unearned points

Amenities

Acreage

Access

Investment

Equity

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BY PARKS KUGLE

The approach

The local impact

Current funding sources for the greenway trails include the 2022 General Obligation Bond, San Antonio Water System, the Tree Preservation Fund and CPS Energy. Brett Finley, president and CEO of Metro SA Chamber, said the greenway has boosted walkability, offering local businesses new opportunities. “You’re really starting to see a prolifera- tion of businesses, cafes, specifically coffee shops, that can pop up [by the greenway] because it’s going to increase foot traffic,” Finley said. Rosales said the greenway is an amazing promotional tool for the city. “Because of this trail system, we can bring in international walkers for marathons and half marathons—it really helps us showcase the city,” Rosales said.

Ross said another feature of the greenway is its location, noting that the city has purchased over 1,700 acres of floodplain. He said multiple trails are built along creeks in the floodplain and on land unsuitable for development, and that these trails function as funnels during flash floods. “These areas are basically drainage ways, and so when we preserve that property … it is more environmentally sustainable, [and] these flood- plains continue to function as the drainage system for San Antonio when it floods,” Ross said. Due to the porous nature of the soil in North San Antonio, purchasing land and preserving it is vital for the city’s water supply, Spears said. “By preserving land over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, the greenway helps capture and retain water, protect our drinking water supply, and reduce flooding and drainage problems,” Spears said.

3 San Antonio Water System $528,365 2 Tree Preservation Fund $3,172,159 1 2022 General Obligation Bond $103,530,000 2022-27 bond project: Linear Greenway Trails funding The San Antonio city bond project will acquire and preserve land for the development of multiuse trails.

4 CPS Energy $147,699

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What to expect

Rogers Ranch P

Howard W. Peak Greenway projects P 2024-25 completed projects

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Ross said the loop is estimated to be completed within five to seven years. An additional 8 miles, constructed in five projects, is estimated to begin in early 2026. Ross said one key to closing the loop is a forthcoming 7-mile project, which will encircle Lackland Air Force Base and Port San Antonio.

281

Maverick Creek Greenway P

Under construction Upcoming projects

P P

Briar Glen trailhead P Salado Cliff Drive trailhead P Beitel Creek Greenway P

Huebner Creek Greenway Extension P

410

SOURCE: SAN ANTONIO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO EDITION

Events

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo saddles up for 2026 season

The context The San Antonio Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. According to the rodeo’s website, there are ve separate brackets of riders competing in three rounds to kick o the event. Next, top scores from each bracket move on to two separate semi-nal rounds, while a bonus wild card round is held for scores that almost made the cut. Finally, top scores from both semi-nal rounds and the wild card round will return for the nals, which will be held Feb. 28, according to the rodeo’s website. Famous artists like Hank Williams Jr. and Miranda Lambert are performing this year. Here’s a rundown of some of the live music scheduled for the rodeo Frost Bank Center concerts Feb. 13: Hank Williams Jr., 7 p.m. Feb. 14: Ty Myers, noon; Midland, 7:30 p.m.

Seventy-seven years ago, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was born. Now, the popular event returns for the 2026 season, featuring a full lineup of competitors, live music, special events and more. What’s happening “We are excited about this year’s lineup and action-packed rodeo and look forward to all our rodeo fans supporting our mission and coming to the event for a great time,” Chris Derby, the chief marketing ocer for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, said in a news release. The 18-day rodeo will take place between Feb. 12 and March 1 at 723 Frost Bank Center Drive. “For more than 76 years, our traditions have brought San Antonio together, showcasing a world- class rodeo, Agriculture Fair, and Livestock Show and we can’t wait to see you in February,” Cody Davenport, the executive director and CEO of the rodeo, said in the release.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo kicks o on Feb. 12.

COURTESY SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Feb. 15: Pat Green, noon; Brad Paisley, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18: Miranda Lambert, 7 p.m. Feb. 21: Dos Borrachos featuring Kevin Fowler & Roger Creager, noon; Cody Jinks, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22: Braxton Keith, noon; Banda Los Recoditos, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27: Ludacris, 7 p.m. Feb. 28: The Droptines, noon; Shane Smith and The Saints, 7:30 p.m. This list is not comprehensive; events may change.

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