As a board member, what River Authority event or program would you recommend to families looking to explore the outdoors this fall?
Fall is one of my favorite times of year, and it is also a great time to get outside and have some fun with the San Antonio River Authority! There are a number of opportunities this fall for families and residents to connect with our waterways, parks, and natural spaces.
One event I have taken part in and am particularly excited about is Race the River, which gives participants a unique opportunity to experience the San Antonio River from a different perspective—being on the River! In September, a Race the River event was held at the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail in Wilson County and coming up on Friday, November 13 is a nighttime Downtown River Walk race. These events highlight the many ways our river can bring people together through recreation, healthy living, and community.
The River Authority also has a full slate of fall activities, including guided bike rides, nature walks, fishing clinics, National Public Lands Day activities, and camping opportunities at Helton Nature Park. Another highlight is the River Authority’s annual Fall Fest at Helton Nature Park, which offers families a free afternoon of outdoor activities, entertainment, games, and opportunities to enjoy the park.
Events like these are a wonderful reminder that the River Authority’s work is about more than flood infrastructure. They also create opportunities for people to connect with the rivers, creeks, parks, and natural spaces that make our region special.
How is the River Authority investing in flood preparedness and public safety for the future?
The River Authority’s top priority is safety. The implementation of the NextGen Flood Warning System will update floodplain maps and watershed master plans and make improvements to the Predictive Flood Model. I hope you have seen our Floods Don’t Care public safety awareness campaign that warns residents about the dangers of flash flooding. The ads and billboards remind drivers that “Floods Don’t Care about the size of your truck” or “if you’re a risk taker.”
The River Authority will build on our investments through continued implementation and expansion of the NextGen Flood Warning System, as well as the ongoing operations and maintenance needed to keep the system reliable.
Why is continuing NextGen so important?
Flooding can happen quickly, and having reliable information before and during a flood can help residents and emergency responders make better decisions.
NextGen is designed to provide communities with better information about developing flood conditions through a network of gauges, technology, predictive tools, and flood warning capabilities. But building the system is only part of the job. These systems require ongoing monitoring, maintenance, operations, and improvements to remain dependable.
The River Authority provides flood forecasting, predictive modeling, and technical support to emergency response personnel throughout the region. This work may not always be visible to the public, but it is an essential part of keeping our communities prepared.
What does this investment mean for the future?
For me, this is ultimately about preparedness and public safety. We cannot prevent every flood, but we can invest in better information, better technology, stronger partnerships, and better planning so that our communities are more prepared when flooding occurs. Consistent investment also allows the River Authority to leverage partnerships and pursue additional funding for flood warning, flood protection, and broader flood mitigation projects across the San Antonio River Basin.
As we look ahead, I am proud of the work the River Authority is doing to make our region more resilient. I also encourage residents to take advantage of the many opportunities this fall to get outside, explore our parks and waterways, and learn more about the work being done in their communities.
Building a safer, more resilient San Antonio River Basin is a long-term effort—and it is one we are all part of.
About the Author
Liza “Lisa” Barratachea was born and raised in San Antonio. Before graduating from Texas A&M University in College Station, she attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and Providence High School.
She has more than 20 years of advocacy experience in public policy and public affairs, working on local, regional, state, and federal policy issues. She established three organizations, restructured two reputable institutions, and worked as an advisor or staff for elected officials at the municipal and state levels.
Liza, her daughter Emelia, and her dog Cooper live just South of downtown near the beautiful San Antonio River.
