Patrice Melancon, P.E.

Patrice Melancon, P.E.

Patrice Melancon

Patrice Melancon, P.E.

Patrice Melancon, P.E., grew up in the New Orleans, LA area and completed her Civil Engineering degree at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette on an Air Force ROTC scholarship.  She served 9 years on active duty before transferring to the Air Force Reserves in 1997 and moving to Austin for graduate school.  Over the next 24 years, Patrice was activated 5 times, including a year after September 11th.  Her last 2 years of service was completed on active duty leading the rebuild of Tyndall AFB, FL following the devastation of Hurricane Michael.  She retired in February 2021 as a Brigadier General. 

Patrice received her Masters in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas (Hook’ Em!) and worked as a water resources consultant for CDM-Smith for 15 years.  She worked with communities in Central Texas, finding solutions to water supply, water distribution, wastewater collection, and flood control problems.  In 2016, Patrice joined the San Antonio River Authority where she served as the Engineering Department Manager until Mar 2019 when she was called back to active duty.  In 2019, Patrice was inducted into the University of Louisiana – Lafayette College of Engineering Wall of Honor and the University of Texas Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering Department Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

In retirement, Patrice is doing a bit of consulting, but is also focused on giving back to her community and her profession.  Patrice is Board President of the Alliance Francaise de San Antonio and a member of Rotary and Daughters of the American Revolution.  She is a long-time member of the Society of American Military Engineers where she serves on the executive committee of the Academy of Fellows.

  • Board Member Since: 2024
  • Current Term Expires: 2025

Alerts

Park Closure Notice: Trueheart Ranch

Unfortunately, Trueheart Ranch Nature Park (14984 Blue Wing Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221) is closed until further notice due to recent vandalism. We’re working to assess and repair the damage to ensure the park is safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for your understanding—updates will be shared as soon as we have them.

Trail Closure: Museum Reach at Pearl

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 5/16/2025.
* For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs.
* For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge.

North Bridge West Landing & Stairs Trail Closure Map

 

Graytown Park Parking Lot Construction Notice 

Construction Timeline: April – October 2024 (estimated)

Improvements are coming to Graytown Park! Parking lot construction will begin in April, and we appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the park for all visitors.

Temporary Closures & Impacts:

  • Upper parking area, pavilion, and restrooms will be CLOSED during construction. Temporary restroom facilities will be provided.
  • Park and river access will be CLOSED Monday–Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM (no access during these hours).

We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and check back for updates as the project progresses. Thank you for your support!

Stay Updated: Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

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.

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.

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. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing materials from: San Antonio River Authority, 100 East Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.