SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) announced today that it is taking additional safety measures to reduce crowds and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) during Easter Weekend. The River Authority has already closed access to some park amenities such as pavilions, basketball courts, and playgrounds, which will remain closed until further notice. Now, however, the River Authority is joining with other local governments in closing areas where larger groups gather in parks for picnicking during Easter, which is a holiday weekend that has historically seen large family gatherings in parks.
“For the purpose of community health and safety, we must do our part to limit large gatherings along the river and at our parks,” said Suzanne Scott, San Antonio River Authority General Manager. “We know this difficult decision will cause many families to adjust their Easter celebrations. We hope to see families and large groups back enjoying our river parks and gathering areas as soon as it is safe for everyone.”
The River Authority will close some of its parks entirely as well as some large gathering areas along the river from Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12. Following Easter Weekend, River Authority parks and amenities including trails, camp sites, disc golf courses, restrooms, and green spaces will re-open on Monday, April 13 as an outdoor resource for the community to use while still practicing social distancing. A list of River Authority park closures can be found below and on the River Authority website at sara-tx.org by clicking on the Parks & Trails page.
The temporary Easter Weekend closure impacts the following parks and park amenities operated by the River Authority in Bexar County:
- Confluence Park, 310 W. Mitchell St.
- Portions of the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk
- Concepción Portal and adjoining green space near Concepción Park
- Mission Parkway from SE Military to Villamain, including Espada Park, Acequia Park, and the Acequia Pavilion
- All large pavilions along the river; these are already closed and will remain so until further notice
- River Crossing Park, 6890 South Loop 1604 E.
The temporary Easter Weekend closure also impacts the following parks operated by the River Authority in Wilson County:
- Graytown Park on the San Antonio River, 1239 CR 125
- John William Helton San Antonio River Nature Park, 15662 FM 775
In Goliad, the River Authority has already closed use of the playground equipment, pavilion, public drinking water fountain, and the public restroom at the Branch River Park in coordination with an emergency order issued by the mayor of Goliad. These park amenities will remain closed until further notice; however, the park remains open for general recreational use (i.e. for walking or running) so long as social distancing is maintained among individuals.
The River Authority will continue to monitor public health recommendations and make additional decisions and announcements regarding park amenities as necessary. Follow the River Authority on social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – or visit sara-tx.org for the most up-to-date information on how the River Authority is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
