San Antonio's Hemisfair district, recently energized by the highly anticipated opening of Civic Park, could be seeing its nights get a little quieter. The city and San Antonio Police are mulling the addition of curfews after local residents and business owners have vocalized their concerns over security. As the park's popularity grows, following a lineup of about 150 events since January and nearly 5 million visitors, so does the worry among those dwelling close to it.
In response to the unease, options such as increased lighting, more police patrols, and the institution of a curfew that might kick in as early as 11 p.m. are being considered. Currently, Hemisfair enjoys a status that keeps it open until midnight — unlike the more restricted hours of other city parks — a privilege only shared by notable spots like Alamo Plaza and part of the River Walk. According to a San Antonio Report, a proposal to change this and enforce the nighttime curfew, giving police the right to hand out citations, is set to hit the City Council's desk later this year.
This curfew proposition is an echo of recent violent incidents around the area, including a gunfight at Fiesta in Market Square that left two dead and four wounded. Moreover, Hemisfair itself isn't a stranger to crime, with "the number of 9-11 calls at Hemisfair have increased dramatically over the past year," Maria Vargas-Yates, the city’s Public Safety Outcomes Coordinator, revealed in an interview quoted by the San Antonio Report. And yet, Police Chief William McManus contends that these numbers are misleading, suggesting that it's "more of a perception issue than anything else."
Assistant City Manager Lori Houston acknowledged the security enhancements already underway, noting the uptick in officers on patrol around Hemisfair at night commenced a fortnight ago. Nonetheless, as conversations unfold among city officials, Hemisfair business tenants, neighborhood residents, and other stakeholders, the notion of a curfew seems to find favor. Still unresolved though is the logistical challenge of accommodating the district's residents, who require unfettered nocturnal access to their homes after the proposed curfew would take effect.
What comes next is a formal proposal expected to be tabled before the San Antonio City Council in either August or September. The measure seeks to temper the vibrant nightlife that Civic Park's renovation has sparked, a success story by any measure, and an ongoing dialogue about safety and community needs in the Hemisfair district.
