San Marcos, Texas, debuted its new "can ban" over the Memorial Day weekend as sun-seekers flocked to the river for some fun, but evidence suggests that the newly minted ordinance still struggles to float with locals. According to KXAN, the ban, which prohibits single-use beverage containers from the San Marcos River within city limits, still saw many flouting the rule despite the one 30-quart cooler per person limit.
River advocates were disappointed as they took to Facebook to post pictures of the dozens of single-use containers collected after the holiday. The ordinance, effective May 1, aims to cut down on litter and keep the river pristine, but, the reality seems to be a stubborn current against immediate change. As the city's stance focuses on education rather than stringent enforcement for the first year, citations for violators range between $250-$500, though they appear to be more of a future threat than a present-day reality.
In a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin prior to the weekend, Christie Murillo from San Marcos Parks and Recreation emphasized that the intention wasn't to police the party but to come out and have a good, cost-effective, fun time with your family out here, we just want you to help us keep these parks clean, help keep the river pristine.
Visitors like Kenny Munn and Steve Graley, who hail from San Antonio and make frequent trips to the river, believe in the ordinance. "That can ban I think will be upsetting to some of the people, but it's going to be good for the environment," Graley told FOX 7 Austin. People coming to grips with the bans might be, leaving behind single-use containers, but they are indeed getting a crash course in river stewardship – even if it's at the pace of a lazy river meander rather than a rapid rush.
While enforcement isn't at its peak, the education-first approach seems aimed at longevity rather than immediacy; a vision crafted for future generations to enjoy the waters as they are today. Damaris Castillo, a visitor from Dallas, acknowledged readiness for future visits with a reusable water bottle in hand. According to FOX 7 Murillo's hope is clear: "You come out here with your kids, we want the parks to be beautiful, we want the river to be beautiful for your guys when they come when they're older." "Pack it in, pack it out," adds Munn, indicating a mindset that, despite the holiday's setbacks, might still be taking root.
