This series provides readers the opportunity to learn about the unique insights and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors and their personal connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers. In this edition, we sat down with the Chairman of the Board, Jim Campbell.
What past or current River Authority project are you most proud of/looking forward to?
Completion of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park occurred on May 15th. We broke ground on this project during my first year on the Board, and it has been the one constant of my ten-year tenure. I’m delighted that during my Chairmanship we were able to cut the ribbon on this transformative project. It is a beautiful addition to our Downtown, Near Westside and Southside communities. It is important to add that none of this would have been possible without Bexar County stepping in to fund the project and the visionaries at the county, including the late Paul Elizondo, former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, and the support of the current Commissioners Court.
The River Authority was engaged in several Fiesta events this year. Can you share some highlights from this year’s Fiesta activities?
I am very excited as a resident of the King William Historic District that the River Authority officially participated in the King William parade this year. The River Authority and the King William Association have been great partners for many decades. However, this was the first time in history that the River Authority was an official participant in the parade. As I led our group of Proud River Warriors, we were received with cheers and thanks along the parade route. I look forward to this being an annual event and want to thank the River Authority staff for making this happen.
San Antonio River Authority King William Parade Crew
Additionally, we had a great time at the River Authority’s Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta. In some ways, it’s like every other Fiesta event. There was music, great food, and fun for the whole family but it’s unique among other Fiesta events because we had an interactive water feature including a fishing clinic and free kayaking in addition to free art activities, animal displays, Fiesta medal market, bicycle decorating contest, and kayak decorating contest. Thank you to all who made it out to this event.
Kayakers at the 2025 Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta
What is a bold vision for the future of the organization, and how can we achieve it?
When I joined the River Authority Board of Directors ten years ago, a priority of mine was to facilitate the completion of infrastructure along the San Antonio River from where it currently ends now just upstream from the Pearl and expand it to the headwaters of the river known as the Blue Hole, located on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). I’m excited that we are very near a point where the necessary support and resources are available to make this happen. Design on the Spirit Reach Contemplative Path at UIW’s campus is moving forward thanks to the support of UIW, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, and the Headwaters at Incarnate Word.
San Antonio Springs, known as the “Blue Hole”. The Blue Hole flows when levels of the Edwards Aquifer reach about 670 feet above mean sea level, as measured by the J-17 Index Well that taps the aquifer’s pool below San Antonio.
Proposed rendering of the Blue Hole area for the Spirit Reach project. A raised walkway and seating area around the historic Blue Hole is designed to enhance visitor experience while respecting the site’s natural and spiritual significance.
There are many stakeholders interested in this effort including our good friends at the Brackenridge Park Conservancy and our new friends at the San Antonio Municipal Golf Association where we are in design discussions on a route for the Riverwalk adjacent to the river across a very small portion of the golf course. Once we complete the Spirit Reach project, and enhancements to Brackenridge Park and the River Road project are finished, the dream I had years ago will be complete. Although it will take several years to happen, for the first time since the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP) began 27 years ago, we have agreement, support, and funding sources identified to complete the Riverwalk north to the headwaters.
About Jim Campbell, Chairman of the Board
As District 4 Director, Jim Campbell represents the eastern portion of Bexar County. Jim is a native Texan and a graduate of Roosevelt High School in San Antonio. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, from Texas A&M University. He is a governmental relations and communications professional whose career has included employment in the United States Congress, Texas Legislature, and San Antonio municipal government. Jim has been a River Authority board member since 2015 and has served as Board Chairman since 2022.
