Happy Trails! Spring 2023 Edition

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Kayak down the San Antonio River this Spring

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

Welcome back to the Happy Trails Blog Series! We hope you enjoyed our first Happy Trails blog, where we explored the fun and free activities available at San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) parks and trails!

A Quick Thank You

We appreciate all those that visit the River Authority parks and trails and attend programs and events!

A special shout-out to those that participated in Holly Jolly Kayaking and attended the 2022 River of Lights Celebration!

Participants paddle down the Museum Reach during the River of Lights kayak event

If you missed the fun, we kicked off the holiday season on Saturday, December 3, at the San Antonio River Lock & Dam. There was cookie decorating with our partners from St. Philip’s College Baking and Pastry Program, music from the Whittier Middle School Mariachi, Lanier High School Jazz Band, and the Air Force Band of the West.

Family of 6 smile as they enjoy the River of Lights event

There was also music from D.J. Switchblade Dave, a couple of tasty food trucks, some amazing craft vendors, and, of course, Santa with his reindeer-in-training!

Santa made a special appearance at the River of Lights event

Free Upcoming Programs at San Pedro Creek

Mindful Monday Yoga on the Creek

Yoga on the Creek is back at San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Come relax and stretch at San Pedro Creek Culture Park (SPC Culture Park): Culture Crossing (302 W. Houston St., 78205) every Monday night from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Yoga on the Creek is back at San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Yoga on the Creek is hosted by Mobile Om C(om)munity Yoga; these classes are designed to make yoga more approachable, accessible, and inviting to even the most reluctant yogis. Be sure to register online!

Community Drum Circle

SPC drum circle FEB

Join us for one of our quarterly in-person Community Drum Circles at SPC Culture Park: Plaza de Fundacion (715 Camaron St, 78204). David and Cameron Montalvo will teach the art of the djembe drum and guide participants through an evening of healing rhythms. Enjoy the spirit and the magic of movement and vibration expressed through our community drum circle!

Drum Circle at the Plaza de Fundacion at San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Join the Discovery Hunt

The Spring Discovery Hunt starts March 10! This bi-annual scavenger hunt encourages you to explore the San Antonio River and nearby parks and trails. Come experience something new and complete various missions that earn your team points to help you climb the leaderboard. Tasks include visiting River Authority parks, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, and tapping into your creative side. The top finishers will be awarded outdoor gear to use on their next adventure!

To join the fun, download the free app “Goosechase” on your phone and enter code J53JWP. This challenge is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the San Antonio River. Gather your team, or seek out on your own, and let’s see what you discover!

Family has fun participating in River Authority's Discovery Hunt Fall Event

Explore and have fun with the whole family!

Go paddin' downtown by the San Antonio River walk

This team received points as part of the Goin’ Paddlin’ mission near the King William neighborhood.

Creativity is key! This mission asked challengers to go down a kayak chute on Mission Reach; however, it didn’t say you had to be in the water.

Night Heron perched on a branch near San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Many species of animals find their home along the San Antonio River. Some missions encourage you to spot and identify birds, like this Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.

The more difficult a mission, the more points you can earn. Visiting a park is good, dancing at a park is better!

More Upcoming Fun

March 4th: Family, Fishing, & Friends with Fin Addict Angler Foundation

  • @Padre Park from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Learn all the ins and outs of fishing. Perfect for kids to get their first experience as an angler.

March 10th – 13th: Free Camping Weekend

  • Location: Helton Nature Park
  • This is a great chance to break out your camping gear and enjoy the great outdoors. All campsite reservation fees are waived throughout the weekend.

March 18: Race the River Paddling Race

Race the River - Downtown Riverwalk

  • Location: Downtown Riverwalk
  • The first race of the 2023 paddling series! Racers can compete in the Pro class or in the Amateur class. Learn more about the race and register today!

April 15th: CreekFest

  • Location: SPC Culture Park – Culture Crossing
  • The 2023 celebration of San Pedro Creek returns in person to showcase local middle and high school mariachi groups, sustainability, and the most recently completed sections of SPC Culture Park!

We hope to see you at one of the River Authority parks soon!

Happy trails!

Related Articles

Alerts

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 

Gas Spill

The San Antonio River Authority and the City of San Antonio are actively working to contain a recent gas spill in the Downtown River Walk Loop area, which occurred earlier today. The source of the spill is unknown but has stopped. At this time, no environmental impacts have been observed, and teams are implementing measures to fully contain and remove the substance. We will provide updates as the situation develops.

West Bank Trail Closure Notice

Due to the construction of a new trail and bridge, the West Bank of the trail between Schiller St. and Newell St. will be closed for the next couple of months. The East Bank will also be intermittently closed on Monday, November 4th, to install the bridge. Please use caution when navigating around this area. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please refer to the map for reference. 

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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