MORE THAN JUST AN AFTERNOON’S STROLL ALONG THE RIVER

The San Antonio River Walk is perhaps one of the most well-known downtown strolls in the nation. With millions of visitors enjoying the stretch of the San Antonio River winding its way through the city today, it’s not surprising that civic leaders have embarked on a long term project to add miles of refurbished riverfront on either end of the traditional River Walk. The river’s downtown section received its first major renovation in the 1930’s, courtesy of financing from a city bond issue and funds from a Work Projects Administration grant. The water depth was adjusted to allow small boat navigation and a network of walkways and small stone bridges were added that still characterize the unique aesthetic of the River Walk, also known as Paseo del Rio. The rise of Hemisfair ’68 inspired other enhancements but nothing on the scale that has been occurring within the last decade. In 2009, the River Walk doubled in length thanks to the opening of the Museum Reach – Urban Segment, including a river lock and dam, hike and bike trails, boat landings, landscaping, lighting and other enhancements, linking the historic and commercial sections of downtown San Antonio to its cultural institutions like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl, a multi-use urban community and former brewery and stables. Long term plans include the completion of the Mission Reach, a natural stretch of river where San Antonio’s historic missions reside near its banks. When completed, the entire River Walk will encompass over fifteen miles of riverfront with over two thousand acres of public park land. Now that’s a nice, long afternoon stroll!