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San Antonio River Authority

Espada Dam and Davis Lake

Espada Dam and Davis Lake

Constructed as part of the federal San Antonio Channel Improvements Project (SACIP), the Espada Dam was designed and built to maintain a base flow to the Spanish Colonial Dam on the west bank while also permitting flood flows to overtop the dam and flow directing down the improved flood channel. The impoundment behind the dam was named Davis Lake.

Project Goals:

Enjoyable

past-projects-old-espada_sm

Project Details:

  • Engineering
  • Completed
  • Adopted Budget: $150000
  • Start Date: 2019-01-01
  • End Date: 2023-06-30
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Alerts

Espada Park

November 4, 2025

The restroom at Espada Park will be temporarily closed due to a water leak. Our team is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

October 21, 2025

When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026
What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway.
Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive.
What to expect:

  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.

Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/.

Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable.

Stem Density Map

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

September 12, 2025

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

June 30, 2025

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

June 30, 2025

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

June 30, 2025

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

Current Conditions

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