San Antonio unveils new litter boom at Woodlawn Lake Park

Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito and River Aid San Antonio unveiled a new floating litter boom at Woodlawn Lake Park on Friday. The installation catches trash year round before it can travel downstream into the San Antonio River Basin. The project aims to protect local aquatic ecosystems and improve water quality across the popular urban park.

Councilmember Alderete Gavito said the park serves as a major urban escape where residents and wildlife coexist just minutes from downtown. She said the new barrier keeps the public space clean for both neighbors and local animals. City leaders expressed gratitude to community partners for securing the necessary financial support.

Charles Blank, executive director at River Aid San Antonio, said city investments have made the park and its waters cleaner than they have been in decades. He said the litter boom ensures that cleanliness remains constant throughout the year. The organization has worked closely with local authorities to identify key areas for water protection initiatives.

Funding for five additional litter boom systems across the San Antonio River Basin came with support from the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation. San Antonio Parks and Recreation granted the permissions required for the project and provided free trees to residents who attended the unveiling event. Department representatives said environmental stewardship remains a core focus for municipal parks.

Representatives from the Woodlawn Lake Neighborhood Association and the San Antonio River Authority joined the celebration at the park centennial gardens. Community members participated in guided tours around the lake following the morning ceremony. San Antonio Parks and Recreation staff announced that further neighborhood cleanup workshops will take place at the community center on December 3.