San Antonio city officials have launched an online survey seeking public input to help guide future investments and improvements for the River Walk, one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations.
The city’s Office of Historic Preservation is leading the effort to develop a new River Walk strategic plan
The poll, which takes less than four minutes to complete, asks people to give their opinions on the River Walk’s overall condition, what new amenities and improvements could make the attraction better, what factors might discourage people from visiting the site and what else should be considered as the city plans for the landmark’s future.
The review also asks participants which San Antonio City Council district they live in, their race or ethnicity, their general age range, if they identify as someone with a disability and if they served in the military or armed forces. It also gives people the option to not answer those questions.
QR codes with links to the survey also will be displayed throughout the River Walk through the holiday season. All are invited to participate, whether they live locally or are visiting from out of town.
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The questionnaire continues through 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Participants are eligible to win a River Walk staycation prize package.
“As a centerpiece of our historic downtown, it is important that we make investments which ensure the long-term success and growth of the River Walk,” said Shanon Shea Miller, director of the city’s Office of Historic Preservation. “We encourage everyone to complete the survey. This feedback is crucial and helps us make sure the River Walk continues to be a source of pride for our residents.”
The city also invites input from residents who don’t visit the River Walk often.
“We want to hear from tourists, but we also want to hear from locals – and in particular, we want to hear from the locals who don’t come to the river as much as we would like them to, to hear about why or concerns we might be able to address to drive more traffic to the River Walk,” Miller told Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and City Council at an Oct. 1 briefing.
The city’s SASpeakUp website will post more opportunities for public input, draft documents and a project timeline as those become available.
The River Walk has been a central feature of downtown San Antonio for the past 80 years, the city said. It was originally developed as a linear park and was improved in the 1940s as a progressive flood control and beautification effort.
City officials said they are committed to efforts that support business growth and sustain the River Walk as a “world-class destination.”
Staff writer Molly Smith contributed to this story.
This article originally published at San Antonio survey seeks public input to improve River Walk.