A long-anticipated city initiative is set to transform a cherished nature trail at McAllister Park into a paved greenway beginning in 2027. Nonetheless, opposition remains strong among some local residents who are advocating for an alternative routing to safeguard the natural beauty of Mud Creek Loop.
Despite receiving the green light from city officials back in 2021, an ongoing campaign by several members of the Friends of McAllister Park continues to advocate for changes to the plan. Their goal is to preserve the pristine state of Mud Creek Loop, ensuring it remains a nature-filled experience for walkers and cyclists alike.
Rather than the current plan, the Friends propose relocating the path to run beneath existing power lines in the park—a route they have named the Pollinator Powerline Pathway. Yet, city staff have declared this alternative route to be impractical due to logistical challenges.
One major concern is that this proposed pathway would cut directly through the gated community of Hunter’s Mill, where residents firmly support the city’s existing plan. Members of the Homeowners Association (HOA) board expressed their strong opposition to any proposed changes to the existing route, emphasizing their preference for the current city-approved plan.
“I’m 100,000% opposed to that,” declared Lori Stenger, a Hunter’s Mill resident whose property borders the proposed pathway. “That would create a whole slew of problems.”
City staff also pointed out that the Pollinator Powerline Pathway would lack shading, making it an uncomfortable option for local residents, especially given the area’s tree-free landscape designed to not obstruct power lines. Furthermore, the proposed route would intersect with streets already experiencing active traffic, potentially necessitating the city to purchase additional land to facilitate its implementation, as explained by Brandon Ross, special projects manager at the Parks and Recreation Department.
“It’s also not interesting to ride a bike down a trail with no tree cover,” lamented former Councilman Clayton Perry, who was instrumental in the project’s proposal in 2018. “That was a main driver to actually put it in the creekbed — to enjoy the creekbed.”
The expansion of the McAllister Park trail aims to ultimately link the park to improvements within the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System, a vast network providing 84 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout San Antonio. The project is largely financed by city and county funds, ensuring a broad financial base for the ambitious undertaking.
Councilman Marc Whyte (D10) has sought dialogue with city staff regarding the proposed alternative pathway but has reached the conclusion that, at present, it appears unfeasible. The Friends of McAllister Park, however, remain steadfast in their efforts to advocate for their envisioned route.
Laura Matthews, the secretary of the Friends of McAllister Park, alongside fellow member Fred Chase, has expressed confidence that Ross is capable of overcoming even more complex obstacles than those currently presented by the Pollinator Powerline Pathway. Their commitment aims to extend the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System and enhance connectivity throughout the region.
The impending greenway project is scheduled to encompass 1.64 miles of accessible trails, facilitating connections north along Mud Creek toward Thousand Oaks. Looking forward, there is also potential for this project to integrate with an additional proposed trail expansion that would stretch north from Bulverde Road past Loop 1604, according to Ross.
Moreover, the development could eventually contribute to the broader 100-mile Great Springs Project, which aspires to connect San Antonio to Austin via the scenic Hill Country. This initiative would be unprecedented in Texas, linking the four major springs in Central Texas: San Antonio, Comal, San Marcos, and Barton.
“Eventually, with time and money, it’ll go all the way up across [Loop] 1604 and try to catch these other developments that have no access to trails,” Perry shared, noting the enthusiasm expressed by the Great Springs Project organizers regarding the Mud Creek Greenway project.
The design phase of the Mud Creek project was completed in 2021 at a cost of $300,000 and has since been waiting for pre-allocated county funding to commence construction in 2027. While the majority of the project’s expenses—97%—are being covered by the county, the city is nonetheless leading the initiative, as confirmed by a county spokesperson.
The project will substantially enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, providing paved pathways for easier navigation along Mud Creek, as emphasized by both Ross and Perry. A public meeting hosted by the Parks Department in 2021 attracted around 70 local residents, with approximately 15 voicing support while only a small number expressed objections to the proposed plans.
In an ongoing effort to gather support for their view, board member Fred Chase has initiated an online petition that has garnered over 2,243 signatures advocating to “Protect McAllister Park’s Remaining Natural Areas.”
Matthews, an avid cyclist, articulated her concerns regarding the potential paving of the Mud Creek Path, expressing fears that it may result in a “path to nowhere” while waiting for integration with the city’s larger projects. “What I don’t want to see is this proposed Mud Creek Greenway connecting to Salado Trail just to stop at Thousand Oaks and serve absolutely no purpose for anything except to destroy one of the last natural areas in our park,” she asserted. “The Great Springs project is very far off in the future — probably 15 years off in the future.”
Matthews maintains that while she and Chase appreciate the city’s overarching goals for greenway connectivity, they firmly believe in the importance of preserving the integrity of the park. The Pollinator Powerline Pathway could achieve both goals, offering a cost-effective solution with no need for tree clearance, since it would align with existing utility easements.
She expressed hope that homeowners within Hunter’s Mill might reconsider their stance if the city supports the alternative pathway proposal, highlighting an evolving community attitude towards green spaces. Councilman Whyte acknowledged his support for identifying an alternative route, but ultimately concluded that the Friends’ proposal was not compatible with the project’s objectives.
“I would like to keep Mud Creek natural but it doesn’t look like the Pollinator Powerline Pathway is going to be the answer,” said Whyte, reinforcing the complexity of balancing development with conservation efforts.
The project, we have invited Laura Matthews, the Secretary of the Friends of McAllister Park, to discuss their position on the new greenway initiative and the proposed alternative Pollinator Powerline Pathway route.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Laura. To start, can you share why the Friends of McAllister Park are advocating for the Pollinator Powerline Pathway instead of the current city-approved greenway plan?
**Laura Matthews:** Thank you for having me! Our main goal is to preserve the natural beauty of Mud Creek Loop while still providing a safe route for walkers and cyclists. The Pollinator Powerline Pathway, while it has its challenges, uses existing infrastructure, minimizing disruption to the pristine creek area. We believe it can still be a valuable greenway that connects our community without compromising the environment.
**Interviewer:** There are concerns raised by residents in Hunter’s Mill about the proposed pathway routing directly through their community. How do you respond to their objections?
**Laura Matthews:** I understand those concerns, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture. The current plan compromises the natural landscape, and we’re committed to finding a solution that balances accessibility with ecological preservation. We’re not aiming to ignore residents’ input, but rather to work collaboratively on a plan that allows us to have our greenway while protecting our beloved park.
**Interviewer:** City staff have deemed the alternative route as “impractical.” What specific logistical challenges are you prepared to address as you continue to advocate for this plan?
**Laura Matthews:** We recognize the challenges outlined by city staff, such as shading and traffic intersections. However, we truly believe that with creative solutions, these issues can be mitigated. We’re committed to working closely with city officials to find a viable way to bring our vision to life, and we’re hopeful that they can find ways to address the obstacles presented.
**Interviewer:** Former Councilman Clayton Perry has expressed that a trail lacks appeal without tree coverage. How can we reconcile the desire for an attractive biking and walking experience with the need for connectivity?
**Laura Matthews:** I think it’s essential that we not only consider aesthetics but also functionality. The existing area does lack tree cover, which is a valid concern, but we could explore planting native species along the path to create an environmentally beneficial experience. Our goal includes enhancing beauty as we improve connectivity to existing trail networks.
**Interviewer:** Looking into the future, what role do you see for the Friends of McAllister Park as the city plans to connect this greenway with the larger Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System?
**Laura Matthews:** Our role will be to continuously advocate for balance between development and nature conservation. We’ll work to ensure that any expansions truly benefit the community, foster ecological health, and provide fun, accessible spaces for everyone. We are united in our mission to ensure that our trails are a place of enjoyment and interaction with the natural world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Laura. It’s clear that the conversation around the future of McAllister Park’s trails is an ongoing and complex one.
**Laura Matthews:** Thank you for having me! We’re committed to keeping the community engaged and involved as this process unfolds.