John Yochem

John Yochem

John Yochem Jr. was appointed by Governor Abbott to fill the Goliad Director position recently vacated by the retirement of former director Alicia Lott Cowley. The term is set to expire on December 31, 2027, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified.

John, a Goliad native, has long had an interest in the San Antonio River and the San Antonio River Authority. He has previously served on the River Authority’s Environmental Advisory Committee, which assists the agency with the Clean Rivers Program and other environmental initiatives. In addition to enjoying living near the River Authority’s Branch River Park in Goliad, he has enjoyed hiking along the river near Riverdale, admiring old-growth Burr Oak and Pecan trees. 

John is retired after over 47 years in furniture sales and interior design. He is chairman of the City of Goliad Board of Architectural Review for Historic Districts and Landmarks and former chairman of the City of Corpus Christi Arts & Cultural Commission, formerly the Municipal Art Commission. Yochem Jr. received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.

  • Committee memberships: Executive Committee (Secretary)

Alerts

Stay Weather‑Aware This Weekend

Stay Weather‑Aware This Weekend

Rain is expected across the region this weekend, which may result in high water on roads and temporary closures at low water crossings.

Before heading out, residents are encouraged to check SARiverFlood.org or their local county flood website for real‑time roadway conditions:

These sites provide up‑to‑date information from flood‑monitoring sensors across the region. Real‑time updates are available 24/7 to help you stay informed as conditions change.

Please use caution when traveling and plan routes accordingly.

Restroom Closure Notice – Camino Coahuilteca (Acequia Park Trail)

 

Restroom Closure Notice – Camino Coahuilteca (Acequia Park Trail)

The restrooms at Camino Coahuilteca along the Acequia Park Trail will be temporarily closed on Thursday, April 16 due to parking lot improvements in the area.

We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and utilize nearby facilities during this time.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this work to enhance the park experience.

 

Museum Reach – Oxbow Trail Closure Notice

The Oxbow Trail along the Museum Reach will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, April 13 through May 1 to accommodate project-related work in the area.

For public safety, access to this section of the trail will be restricted during this time. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and use alternate routes.

Wayfinding signage and trail closure notices will be posted at designated locations to help guide trail users around the closure.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this work to help maintain safe and enjoyable trail conditions.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The east bank trail along San Pedro Creek will be temporarily closed between the upper trail at Cameron St. and the lower trail at two access points.

Closure details:

  • The first closure will impact the connector from the upper trail near West Houston St. to the south lower San Pedro Creek trail.
  • Once work at this location is complete and the trail reopens, construction will shift to the second closure area between the upper and lower trails on the opposite side of the green space.

Please follow posted signage and plan alternate routes. We appreciate your patience as this work is completed.

Closed areas around San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The Brackenridge Trail

Trail Lighting Notice – Brackenridge Park Trail

Due to an electrical issue, lighting is currently out along the north portion of the trail, from the Josephine Street inlet to just past Highway 281 within the Brackenridge Park Trail. Our team is actively working to correct the issue and expects repairs to be completed by the end of business tomorrow.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore lighting. Please use caution when traveling through this area, especially during evening hours.

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

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

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

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

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.

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