The San Antonio River Authority reports hundreds of industrial-sized tires have been illegally dumped at two parks.
SAN ANTONIO — They are cultural and historical landmarks under siege.
Illegal tire dumpers have tossed hundreds of industrial-sized tires off bridges at the John William Helton San Antonio River Nature Park.
The peaceful oasis south of San Antonio is part of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.
Located at 15662 FM 775 in Wilson County, the free park is a dawn to dusk operation managed by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA).
This treasure and the Graytown Park at 1239 County Road 125, some five miles away, are also managed by SARA.
But some say there’s a problem in paradise.
Hundreds of tires, most weighing more than 100 pounds, are now littering the bed and banks of the river.
Park users say some of the tires have been left to rot for months and they are spoiling the ambiance at what is an otherwise peaceful place to play and enjoy the outdoors.
At Helton, tires are piled on both sides of the river and at Graytown the tires stretch from the top side near the roadway down the embankment to the riverbed.
The San Antonio River Authority shared the following statement:
“The San Antonio River Authority is aware of the tire dumping reported near the Helton and Graytown crossings. These sites were identified earlier, and we have been coordinating with Wilson County, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, and TCEQ. The Sheriff’s Office has an open investigation into illegal tire dumping, and we’re supporting their efforts to protect the San Antonio River.”
They went on to add that at this time, responsibility for cleanup will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The non-emergency number for the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is 830-393-2535 for anyone who may have a clue that could help end the illegal dumping.
More information about the parks can be found on the SARA website.