Parks and Recreation Expands Greenway Trail System Encourages San Antonio to Get Outside and Take to the Trails

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San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department encourages citizens to get outside and Take to the Trails on the newest trail extensions of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System. Opening to the public on Friday, August 2, 2019, are the 1.8 mile Salado Creek Greenway Trail extension (3104 North Loop 1604 West) and the 2 mile Leon Creek Greenway Trail extension (17612 Vance Jackson). With these additions, there are now 69 miles of greenway trails across the city, spanning 1500 acres of City-acquired creek-side open space and natural areas.

"The Greenway Trail System provides the community a wonderful opportunity to get outside and explore the natural beauty of south Texas," said Homer Garcia, Interim Parks Director. "The creek-side trails are perfect spaces for a variety of activities and abilities, from cycling to dog walking, bird watching and long-distance running. There's something for everyone on the trails."

The new extensions connect cyclists, runners, and walkers to the existing trails on both Leon and Salado Creeks. "We're extremely proud to offer these beautiful new stretches of trail that so many people have been anxiously awaiting. These segments are key pieces of the larger Leon and Salado trail systems that will ultimately connect together at Eisenhower Park within a few short years," notes Brandon Ross, Parks Manager for the Greenway Trail System.

The new trailheads include amenities such as parking, bike repair stations, water fountains, dog waste mitts, and wayfinding signage for the trail user's convenience. "We encourage everyone to remember a few simple tips to ensure a great trail experience: bring plenty of water for yourself, your children or dogs, carry a charged mobile phone, bring a buddy, and stay on designated trails," notes Garcia.

Supporting trail use and safety is a team that includes Trail Stewards, Trail Watch Volunteers, and Park Police. Trail Stewards are Parks staff that bike through assigned trails and carry cell phones, first aid kits, water, bike pumps, and maps for trail users who may need assistance. Trail Stewards also help identify trail and greenway maintenance needs. Trail Watch Volunteers are passionate citizens who love the trails and share their time to make sure trail users enjoy themselves safely. Park Police provide proactive patrol of all City parks and may be seen on bicycles or all-terrain vehicles patrolling the trails.

The Greenway Trails wind through natural landscapes along many of San Antonio's waterways including Salado Creek, Leon Creek, Medina River, Westside Creeks (Alazan, Apache, Martinez, San Pedro, and Zarzamora), and tributary creeks such as Huesta Creek and Culebra Creek.

The idea to build the Greenway Trails was spearheaded by former Mayor Howard W. Peak. His dream was to build a "ring" of hike and bike trails along creeks around the City of San Antonio. Funding for the Greenway Trails was first approved by voters in 2000, followed by three subsequent elections to use a portion of the 1/8 cent sales tax revenue to develop the trails. Current funding is being used to expand the trail system and to enhance existing trails.

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