About Us

The San Antonio River Foundation

was established by the San Antonio River Authority in 2003, as a non-profit 501.c.3 organization. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and receives valuable ideas and input from the community through a variety of advisory committees. It conducts its fundraising in the private sector; and all contributions are used to enhance the beauty and viability of the San Antonio River.

Current Focus

Since 2003, the San Antonio River Foundation has focused its work on one of the most exciting public works project in the nation. The San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP) is a public/private partnership that is extending the City’s waterway by 13 miles to create the longest linear park in the nation (nearly 15 miles when completed).

Transformational in a number of ways, the SARIP includes important flood control and eco-system restoration. As part of this effort, the River Foundation is creating a beautiful hike-and-bike trail, gateways to historic missions, recreational facilities, water features, neighborhood parks and overlooks, public art, lighted bridges, and more.

The Project Has Many Partners

Funding, project management, and community input all are important aspects of the San Antonio River Improvements Project. They are being provided by:

• The River Foundation is raising $50 million from the private sector, to be used to enhance the 13 miles of additional river development with art, enhanced landscaping and sidewalks, pocket parks, picnic areas, water features, a lush grotto, historic bridges, and a beautiful park at the river’s confluence with San Pedro Creek.
• The City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers will provide a total of $200 million in public funding for the project’s basic infrastructure, including flood control, eco-system restoration, ramps, basic lighting, and sidewalks.
• The San Antonio River Authority will provide $1.5 million annually beginning in 2009 toward operations and maintenance activity on the San Antonio River Improvements Project.
• The San Antonio River Oversight Committee provides critical input from a large number of community and grassroots organizations, ensuring that the project respects the long-range vision for the river as well as the desires of its many stakeholders.

The River Foundation Plays a Critical Role

The River Foundation’s role in the SARIP is to augment the public funds with private donations, to make this new linear park truly world class. Private donations from corporations, foundations, and individuals will pay for exciting cultural and aesthetic enhancements, such as:

• Additional lighting and landscaping
• Upgraded sidewalks and walkways
• Fountains and water features
• Pocket Parks and Picnic Areas
• Overlooks and Footbridges
• Public Art
• Recreation Facilities
• Gardens and Green Spaces

Establishment of the San Antonio River Commission

In May 2007, the City Council created a seven-member River Commission to serve in an advisory capacity on all aspects of the development and operations of the River Walk and the San Antonio River. Its charge is to ensure the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the history, charm, and uniqueness of the River, both downtown and along future expansions. The Commission’s members represent the categories of Business, Community, Conservation, Historic Preservation, and Tourism. For more information, visit www.SanAntonio.gov/RiverCommission.