Amid the bustling nightlife and increased visitor traffic at Hemisfair in San Antonio, residents and business tenants are advocating for enhanced safety measures, including a potential curfew enforcement starting at 11 p.m. This initiative follows the area’s revitalization, highlighted by the recent reopening and expansion of Civic Park, which has become a focal point for numerous events, drawing nearly 5 million visitors since January.
The Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corp., responsible for the area’s revitalization, has proposed ending Hemisfair’s exemption from the city’s park curfew hours, which typically restrict access between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Currently, Hemisfair, along with select other downtown locations, remains exempt from these regulations due to ongoing activities and events.
Concerns over late-night security have been amplified by recent incidents, including a fatal shooting near Market Square during Fiesta and another tragic incident involving stray gunfire near Hemisfair. These incidents have prompted community leaders and council members to explore measures to bolster public safety in the district.
Councilwoman Sukh Kaur emphasized the community’s calls for increased security, noting the concerns raised by local businesses and residents alike. The city’s Public Safety Outcomes Coordinator, Maria Vargas-Yates, highlighted a significant rise in emergency calls from Hemisfair over the past year, underscoring the need for proactive safety measures.
As discussions progress, a formal proposal to adjust Hemisfair’s curfew policy is expected to come before the San Antonio City Council in the coming months, aiming to strike a balance between promoting vibrant nightlife and ensuring the safety of all visitors and residents in the area.
