The City of San Antonio is gearing up for Independence Day festivities will need to plan around some changes in city service schedules. According to an announcement made on Tuesday, City Hall and the majority of municipal offices will be shutting their doors on July 4, in observance of the federal holiday. Anyone in need of emergency services won't need to fret, as public safety and emergency services including police, fire, and EMS workers remain on duty to ensure a safe holiday for all, as reported by the City of San Antonio's official news release.
The City of San Antonio's general services will be operating but in a limited capacity. Residents can still reach out to 3-1-1 for certain services, which will keep lines open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. to quickly respond to urgent animal concerns and traffic signal malfunctions. Animal Care Officers will continue to be on duty, and Code Enforcement Officers will be available to to properly inspect and provide emergency coverage. Adding to the holiday spirit, downtown parking meters will be giving visitors a free pass; however, this exemption doesn't extend to off-street city-operated garages and lots.
Those planning outdoor activities on the Fourth of July have the green light as city parks and trails will remain open. While all fitness enthusiasts might not find their usual "Fitness in the Park" classes, a select few will still be on the schedule. Swimmers can dive into select outdoor pools, which will be open for a cool respite from the summer heat, according to the City of San Antonio.
As for waste collection, residents won't have to face any interruptions in service. The City of San Antonio's announcement confirmed that garbage, recycling, and organics collection will follow the normal schedule throughout the week. However, those due for curbside brush and bulky item pick-up should rely on the date provided on their door hanger notifications. The Bitters Brush site and all bulky waste as well as the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off centers will close their gates for the holiday. This includes the locations at Bitters, Frio City Rd., Rigsby, and Culebra.
Additional facilities and administrative offices that will be open include the Municipal Court Magistration services, SAPD's detention center, and several historic and cultural sites such as Spanish Governors Palace and La Villita and Market Square shops. Conversely, a number of services and offices will lock up for the long weekend, among them the Animal Care Services Lobby and Adoption Center, all branches of the San Antonio Public Library, City of San Antonio Community Centers, SAPD's Administration and Records Section, the San Antonio Fire Department's Administrative Offices, and several more community and administrative centers.
With the Fourth of July weekend fast approaching, it's clear that while some city services are taking a brief hiatus, essential services remain steadfast. Community members are encouraged to enjoy the celebrations and to utilize the services still in operation to make the most out of the holiday weekend. Those interested in the full list of open and closed services can find the official release on the City of San Antonio's website for detailed information.
