Opinion

San Pedro Creek project restores an important piece of history

Rendering of the tentative design for a segment of San Pedro Creek near the Alameda Theater. The design, which is considered 70 percent complete, was authorized by Bexar County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. less Rendering of the tentative design for a segment of San Pedro Creek near the Alameda Theater. The design, which is considered 70 percent complete, was authorized by Bexar County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, ... more Photo: Courtesy Rendering, Bexar County/San Antonio River Authority Photo: Courtesy Rendering, Bexar County/San Antonio River Authority Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close San Pedro Creek project restores an important piece of history 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Bexar County has invested in many vital projects to improve the lives of our residents. No project, however, has been more prominent and culturally meaningful than the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project.

In 2013, my colleagues on Commissioners Court and I approved an investment of $125 million to revitalize San Pedro Creek, a modest yet historically significant waterway that runs through the west side of downtown San Antonio.

The first Native American inhabitants of this area made their homes along San Pedro Creek. Spanish explorers and priests placed the first civil and religious settlements of San Antonio de Béjar near the springs and creek, including the Mission San Antonio de Valero.

I have always had a strong connection with San Pedro Creek. It is where my family roots and those of many other San Antonio families begin. It is a place that brings back wonderful childhood memories for me, and I am honored to represent this area as the Precinct 2 county commissioner. But that creek of history and memory, one of the sources of our great city and county, over time became an unsightly drainage ditch.

My desire is to transform and enhance San Pedro Creek so other families can create and share memories for generations to come. Additionally, the investment in creek improvements will address flood control, improve water quality, revitalize natural habitat, facilitate economic development and create job opportunities.

Bexar County is proud to partner with the San Antonio River Authority and the city of San Antonio to bring this project to fruition. After completion, we will have converted a drainage channel into a cultural amenity — a beautiful 2-mile linear park that local families and visitors can enjoy.

Best of all, San Pedro Creek will regain its historic and cultural identity as the birthplace of our city and county. We will be able to showcase the vibrancy and talent in our community through displays of art, and musical and cultural performances. This project will help create jobs and diversify our economy by growing local business and attracting industries to the heart of downtown.

Months of public input, design, planning and outreach have taken place to ensure we complete the improvements on time and on budget. I am confident this project will be successful because we have the most experienced and talented professionals working hard every day to make it happen. SARA will be managing the project and has set up a website, spcproject.org, with updates, social media links, FAQs and other information.

A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Fox Tech High School football field, next to the creek. The project consists of four phases, with phase one starting at the flood tunnel inlet near Fox Tech and ending at César E. Chávez Boulevard. Our plan is to complete phase one by May 2018, in time for the city’s tricentennial celebration.

I encourage everyone to attend the groundbreaking, which will feature a performance of the first act of “Las Fundaciones de Béjar,” an original mythic opera that tells the story of the ancient legacy of San Pedro Creek. Local performers and musicians, including student mariachis from San Antonio Independent School District, also will take part.

The San Pedro Creek Improvements Project will restore an important piece of our history, providing environmental and community health benefits. Just as important, it will be a catalyst for cultural and economic activity that will enliven our community’s future.

Paul Elizondo is Bexar County commissioner for Precinct 2.