San Marcos City Council is tightening its grip on riverfront park management this summer through new enforcement efforts for its single-use beverage container ordinance, or “can ban”, updated parking rules, and a newly installed fence at Rio Vista Park.
The council discussed the changes during its May 20 work session, with more talks planned. According to the city presentation, the changes aim to address growing concerns over safety, congestion, and environmental impact.
What’s happening
At the May 20 work session, City Council voted 6-1, with Council member Alyssa Garza dissenting, to install a temporary fence around Rio Vista Park, including controlled entry gates staffed Friday through Sunday and on long holiday weekends.
This test-run of managed access is meant to help park staff educate visitors as they enter, improve rule compliance, and manage large summer crowds. The fence is already up, and the city has posted on Facebook to remind visitors of park rules.
Park rules include:
- Animals must remain leashed or restricted at all times
- Wildlife and habitat are protected
- Parking in designated spaces only
- One propane grill per fixed picnic table site
- One shelter or tarp per fixed picnic table site
- Single-use beverage containers allowed only in designated “Go Zones”
Digging deeper
Paid parking will begin July 1 at the City Park lot, according to the city presentation. A resident registration and education campaign will roll out in June. Registered residents will not have to pay. Fines will be enforced using fixed license plate reader cameras like those already on enforcement vehicles. Visitors can pay by phone or at one of four kiosks, three of which will be cashless.
Council also reviewed the city’s single-use beverage container ordinance, adopted in February 2024 and effective since early May. It bans single-use containers in designated “No Zones” along the San Marcos River and park areas. The ordinance limits river-goers to one 30-quart cooler per person, which does not apply inside the parks, and bans alcoholic beverages in containers smaller than 5 ounces.
In its first year—ending April 30—city staff emphasized education, according to the city presentation. This summer begins enforcement, with penalties ranging from warnings to citations.
To raise awareness, the city launched a campaign last year featuring permanent signage, printed materials, “Reuse at the River” branded containers, billboards, social media posts, and tourism videos.
Some context
City data shows record attendance at San Marcos parks in 2024, but that growth brings safety and logistical challenges, according to the city presentation. According to city staff, enforcement of non-life-threatening ordinances—like the can ban—can be difficult when police and park crews must prioritize incidents such as alcohol-related injuries, falls, and heat illness.
During peak weekends, vehicle overflow has led to illegal parking in nearby neighborhoods. Staff also report issues with intoxicated visitors fighting, littering, and using drugs publicly. Amenities such as pools and tennis courts are often overwhelmed.
By the numbers
In summer 2024, city staff documented 8,714 violations. Of those, 7,634 resulted in verbal warnings or educational conversations, according to the city presentation. Staff ejected 329 people, issued 48 citations, gave two criminal trespass warnings, and made two arrests. Sixty-nine medical incidents were reported—mostly alcohol- or parking-related.
Roughly 70% of weekend park visitors are from outside San Marcos—primarily from Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, the presentation states. These guests often make same-day trips, spending little money in the city and contributing minimally to hotel or sales tax revenue.
