San Antonio’s green spaces keep getting better and better. The city now has more than 50 miles* of car-free greenway trails available for visitors to stroll, run or bike, thanks to the vision of former San Antonio Mayor Howard Peak. Thirty more miles are in the works, which will create an “emerald necklace” that loops the city.
My husband and I decided to explore another segment of the Salado Creek Greenway. (See list below for earlier explorations.) We walked from Jack White Park, just west of I-35, to the tip of Willow Springs Golf Course, just off of Interstate 10.
The trail is easy to walk, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see a variety of interesting insects, including dragonflies, grasshoppers and stink bugs. You’ll also hear some raucous invertebrates. The cicadas along the route sounded like an emergency alert system.
Salado Creek was high at Jack White Park, but it was dry along the route, making the tear-inducing litter of single-use plastic and glass bottles visible. “People start pollution. People can stop it.” Yes, indeed. Choosing reusable bottles will not only help save the environment, they will also help save you money. Please avoid using single-use plastic bottles.
We walked past Pletz Park, one of Bexar County’s 11 parks. Until this walk, I didn’t know that Bexar County had any parks. See what getting out of the house will do for you! We also strolled past a 40-acre KOA Campground with a pool that was off our radar. In addition to RV and tent sites along Salado Creek, they also have five cabins for rent. Note to self: future staycation.
Unplug and take advantage of San Antonio’s green spaces! Your mind and your body will thank you.
*Also check out the more than 140 miles of trails located in the City of San Antonio’s parks, like in Brackenridge Park.
Denise Barkis Richter, Ph.D., author of “San Antonio’s Passport to Fun,” has been blogging about San Antonio since June of 2010. Follow her at facebook.com/SanAntonioTourist so that you’ll never miss a post. Her love affair with the Alamo City began at Hemisfair in 1968. She moved to San Antonio in 1979 as an 18-year-old college student, and San Antonio has been her home ever since. Denise completed certification to become a professional tour guide in 2019. Please contact her at sanantoniotourist at gmail dot com if you’d like for her to curate a fabulous San Antonio experience for you!
