The City’s linear creekway program is designed to establish a continuous linkage along Leon Creek and Salado Creek and their tributaries. The purpose of the program is to create a linear park system within city limits that incorporates passive flood control components with appropriate park amenities.

Leon Creek and Salado Creek are two of San Antonio’s primary watersheds. Significant rainfall can cause these two creeks to swell beyond their banks and threaten life and property nearby. However, during dry periods, these creeks offer miles of rugged, natural terrain for hiking and mountain biking. Continuous hike-and-bike trails are envisioned along the creeks that would include lighting and periodic access points to the trails. These access points will be strategically planned at various points along each creek and will provide neighborhood access from multiple locations near the creekways. Larger acquisitions may include more active recreation opportunities such as soccer and baseball fields while other areas may offer more passive activities such as picnicking and bird watching. Linear parks not only provide San Antonio with recreational opportunities nestled in a natural habitat, but they also will safeguard life and property along these creeks from the dangers posed by future flood events.

The Parks Development and Expansion Venue Project also supports projects near the Medina River, the San Antonio River and other area tributaries. Funds will be used to create a link from Medina River Park to Mitchell Lake on the south side of San Antonio and support land acquisition, trailheads and other improvements. These improvements would complement a $1.45 million voter-approved bond project linking Medina River Park to City-owned property near the Mitchell Lake wetlands area. Additionally, venue funds would be used to support the City’s share of the San Antonio River Improvements Project. This project is a 10-year, $148 million investment being made by the City, Bexar County, San Antonio River Authority and the federal government for flood control, economic development, ecosystem restoration and recreational improvements to a four-mile segment of the river from Josephine Street to Lexington and a nine-mile stretch from South Alamo to Mission Espada. Venue funds will be designated for sidewalk, lighting and other park amenities along the river.

Voters first approved a 1/8-of-a-cent addition to the local sales tax in May 2000 to collect $20 million to begin acquisition of properties in the Leon and Salado corridors. A total of 515 properties (510 acres) along Salado Creek and 78 properties (711 acres) along Leon Creek have either been acquired or are targeted for future acquisition in order to complete this continuous linear parkway system. The Parks Development and Expansion Venue Project is combining new funds with existing funds to continue the acquisition of an extensive inventory of creekway properties and begin the process of developing the linear parkways for recreational activities.

Home | Background | Properties | Funding | Area Map | Visuals