Paddling: Water Recreation Opportunities in City Parks

Overview
The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department allows citizens to engage in water recreation activities in specified bodies of water. This policy allows for non-motorized water recreation activities in a number of small lakes, certain sections of the San Antonio River, and portions of the Medina River. As of August 1, 2011, no permit will be required for this activity.

Please note boundaries for water recreation activity are subject to change.

Boundaries for Recreation Activity

Eagleland Zone, San Antonio River
Launch and Recovery Area:
Between Eagleland and Lone Star (approximately 20 feet north or railroad bridge)
Boundary: San Antonio River Walk – Eagleland zone from Lone Star railroad trellis to Alamo Street

King William Zone, San Antonio River
Launch & Recovery Area:
Guenther Street by San Antonio River Authority, 100 E. Guenther
Boundary: King William zone from Nueva Street to Alamo Street

Please note that these two zones are not connected and are more than 1 mile apart. Participants choosing to utilize both zones must port watercraft 1 mile between zones.

Mission Reach Zone, San Antonio River
Launch & Recovery Area:
Mission Road street connection, parking lots adjacent to VFW Blvd, Padre Park, Acequia Park, and Espada Park
Boundary: Mission Road to the barricades that block Espada Dam at the end of Davis Lake
Hours of Operation: Sunrise to Sunset

City Parks:

Elmendorf Lake Park, 3700 W. Commerce
Launch & Recovery Area: dock
Boundary: Lake

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Highway 16 South
Launch & Recovery Area: Approximately 1/2 mile from the parking lot
Boundary: State Highway 16 to Old Applewhite Road

Miller’s Pond Park, 6175 Old Pearsall Park
Launch and Recovery Area: dock
Boundary: Pond

South Side Lions Park, 3900 Pecan Valley Drive
Launch and Recovery Area: Near pavilion #2 (Facing the pavilion, 30 to 40 yards to the east)
Boundary: Lake

Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati
Launch and Recovery Area: dock
Boundary: Lake

Rules and Regulations

• Willful body contact with water is prohibited per City Code.


• Per state law, a personal flotation device must be kept in the watercraft for each rider. All persons must wear a PFD approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in good serviceable condition and appropriate size for the intended users


• Use of the non-motorized vessel must be during daylight hours only.


• Non-motorized vessel must be removed at the end of each day after use.


• Consuming alcoholic beverages during water recreation activities is prohibited.


• The City of San Antonio makes no guarantees about the safety of water recreation activities on these bodies of water. Participant assumes all risks and liabilities associated with participation.


• Participant is only allowed to operate his/her watercraft within the boundaries stated above and must obey all posted signage instructions.


• Riders must follow all state and federal laws. More information on current laws, plus safety tips, can be found online at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/safety


• The City of Sa Antonio reserves the right to prohibit activity on these bodies of water at any time.

Questions
 For questions or more information, contact us at:
Phone: 210-207-8480
Email: molly.lendman@sanantonio.gov