Ord 2019-012/adopting the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

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Action T-1.9.Add trails to connect the east and west sides of San Marcos. Other than the trails that are currently in the greenspaces and riverfront parks, there is no continuous trail network that allows residents and visitors to get from one side of the City to the other. Interstate 35 divides the City in two parts and creates a physical barrier that makes it difficult for pedestrians and bicyclist to cross. Potential solutions to solve this issue could include the addition of more over or underpasses for trails which would allow trail users to safely cross the interstate. Action T-1.10.Add trails that connect San Marcos High School to the rest of the City. By allowing alternate forms of transportation to vehicles, San Marcos High School students can have the option to walk or ride their bike to school.The addition of trails to the school can also provide a way for students who do not have access to a vehicle to get to school safely. Action T-1.11. Consider adding rules and regulations on scooters and electric bikes on the trails. As technology progresses,the popularity of scooters and electric bicycles continues to grow.This creates conflict with traditional bicycles and pedestrians who move at a much slower pace. Consider the establishment of speed limits on trails to reduce the number of potential accidents that could occur between these different user groups. Action 1-1.12.Add a trail that connects San Marcos to San Antonio. With the recent and projected growth of the San Marcos and San Antonio region in the near future, a trail connecting the two communities would create a regional alternate form of transportation to vehicles. Bicyclists who would like to commute long distances could use this trail as a form of transportation or for recreational purposes. Action 1-1.13.Add a green belt loop around the City to increase connectivity. The addition of a greenbelt loop around San Marcos would increase the use of the trail system by providing better connectivity in the City.This loop could be used for transportation and would reduce traffic congestion by allowing citizens to walk or ride a bike to various end user destinations. Action-1%1.14. Create a Trails Master Plan for the City. It is suggested that the City create a Trails Master Plan before building any extensive parts of the planned trail system shown on Map 3.16, Proposed Trail Linkages.The Trails Master Plan would identify and prioritize specific trail positions in the target connectivity corridors illustrated on that map.Trail segments would consist of both on-and off-street sections.As part of the Trails Master Plan, it is suggested that the City consider partnership opportunities for connections to adjacent communities. Action 1-1.15.Add smaller greenbelt loops in the City. Smaller greenbelt loops would increase connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclist in the center of the City. Key destinations such as downtown,the riverfront parks system, and school could be some of the places that would be located along the loops. Chapter 3 I System Analysis, Needs, and Recommendations 125