The overview
At its May 20 work session, council voted 6-1—with Council member Alyssa Garza dissenting—to install a temporary fence enclosing Rio Vista Park, with controlled entry gates staffed on weekends and holidays. The fenced access point is a pilot effort to improve rule compliance and manage summer crowds, according to the City Council presentation. The fence is already in place.
Park rules include leashed pets, limits on grills and shelters, and container restrictions. The can ban, adopted in February 2024, prohibits single-use containers in “No Zones” and limits coolers and small alcoholic beverages.
The ordinance’s first year focused on education. This summer begins enforcement, with penalties ranging from warnings to citations.
What else?
Paid parking at the City Park lot will begin July 1, according to the city. A resident registration and education campaign will launch in June, and registered residents will not have to pay.
Fines will be enforced using fixed license plate reader cameras, similar to those already used by enforcement vehicles. Visitors can pay by phone or at one of four kiosks.
During peak weekends, overflow parking often spills into nearby neighborhoods, the City Council presentation states. Staff also report challenges with intoxicated visitors fighting, littering, and using drugs, while amenities like pools and tennis courts are frequently overwhelmed.
What’s next?
San Marcos may soon charge out-of-town visitors to access Rio Vista Park, with proposed fees of $25 per group (up to 10 people) or $5 per individual (age 6+), according to the City Council presentation.
Residents would be exempt with a free Resident River Pass. Fees would fund park maintenance. A City Council vote was postponed for further discussion.
