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.
1
4 CPS Energy $147,699
2
3
4
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN ANTONIO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What to expect
Rogers Ranch P
Howard W. Peak Greenway projects P 2024-25 completed projects
1604
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
10
35
Briar Glen trailhead P Salado Cliff Drive trailhead P Beitel Creek Greenway P
Huebner Creek Greenway Extension P
410
N
SOURCE: SAN ANTONIO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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