Superintendent’s Compendium

San Antonio Missions

March 2025

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (SAAN). This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.

The Compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (SAAN). These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43 which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.
• Statutes codified in US Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.

Approved:
/s/ Christine Jacobs, Superintendent, March 24, 2025

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

(a)(1)The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

(I) 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) - Visiting hours, closures, and public use limits

A. Visiting Hours

(i) Parking Areas and Grounds

The following parking areas and grounds are closed daily during the following times unless authorized by the Superintendent:

• Mission Concepcion 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission San Jose 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission San Juan 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission Espada 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• San Jose Bus Parking 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Espada Aqueduct 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• River Rest 8:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Mission San Jose Compound gates are closed daily at 5 pm unless authorized by the Park Superintendent or for Mission San Jose Church functions. Unauthorized access into the compound via the north side (Gristmill) after park hours is prohibited.

The designated times are set by the Superintendent; to preserve and protect the Archeological resources from unintentional and intentional damage. To include, deterring any illegal activities aside from the archeological resources’ preservation status.

Automatic gates at Mission San Juan open daily at Sunrise and close daily at Sunset. Parking is prohibited on the aprons of the overflow grass parking areas at Mission San Juan as designated by pavement markings.

Automatic gates at the Espada Aqueduct open daily at Sunrise and close daily at Sunset. The Espada Aqueduct is a fragile historic resource and is unsafe to climb or cross over.

(ii) Visitor Center and Information Stations

• The following facilities are open daily during the hours listed below unless special use is authorized by the Superintendent: The Visitor Center at Mission San Jose and Information Stations/Museums at Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, and Mission Concepcion are closed to the public on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day unless use is authorized by the Superintendent.

  • Mission San Jose Visitor Center (9:00 A.M – 5:00 P.M)

  • Mission Concepcion Information Station (10:00 A.M – 4:30 P.M)

  • Mission San Juan Information Station (10:00 A.M – 4:30 P.M)

Mission Espada Information Station (10:00 A.M – 4:30 P.M)

These closures shall not apply to authorized church sponsored events.

Information Stations have limited staffing and vary from site to site; in lieu of staffing information tabloids are displayed for use at these locations.

Mission San Jose Compound gates are closed daily at 5:00 pm to keep visitors out of this walled area to reduce the risk of vandalism to park resources.

• (iii) Trails and Day Use Areas

  • The San Juan Nature Trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  • The San Jose Mission Reach Trail and adjacent park property between San Jose Drive and Padre Drive are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Nighttime closures are needed to protect visitor safety and resource impacts from illegal use such as unauthorized camping and illegal drug use

• Use of all park picnic areas including Missions San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Brown Park/River Rest are restricted to daylight hours (Sunrise to Sunset) only. Picnic tables cannot be reserved and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Nighttime closures are needed to protect visitor safety and resource impacts from illegal use such as unauthorized camping and illegal drug use.

B. Areas Closed to the Public

1. Rancho de las Cabras and its access road are closed to all public access and use, except during
guided tours, volunteer workdays, and special events conducted by the National Park Service and
administrative uses authorized by the Superintendent.

Rancho de las Cabras is a remote location with no regular staff presence on site. The area is
closed to protect park resources.

2. The following properties and structures are closed to all public access and use:

• Pooley House (8971 South Presa Street)
• Sisson House (8902 Graf Road)
• Hubble House (9252 Villamain Road)

These areas are closed for safety, privacy, and to protect park resources.

3. The San Juan Barn, San Juan Barn maintenance yard, and farm sheds are closed to all public
access and use.
4. The Huizar Warehouse and yard is closed to all public access and use.

Maintenance facilities, San Juan Barn yard, and Huizar Warehouse and yard are closed to the
public for visitor safety and for security of park facilities. San Antonio Food Bank staff and
volunteers have access to these areas in accordance with a written agreement with the National
Park Service.

C. Public Use Limit

• (i) Service Roads, Farm Roads and Fields

  a. The following Service Roads, Farm Roads and Fields are closed to non-official motor vehicle use at all times unless authorized by the Superintendent:
  • Harris House Driveway and Parking Lot (6519 San Jose Drive)
  • San Jose River Trail (6600 San Jose Drive)
  • Mission San Juan Service and Farm Roads (“labores”)
  • All Acequia maintenance roads and park fire roads
  • San Juan Barn driveway and parking lot (9047 Villamain Road)
  • Fields at Mission Concepcion (750 E. Theo Ave)
  • Fields at Mission San Jose (adjacent to Napier Drive and San Jose bus parking)
  • Other driveways and farm roads at: 9000 Villamain (Alanis), 8920 Graf (Alanis), 8855 S. Presa (Geigenmiller), 8971 S. Presa and 9124 Villamain (Pooley), 8902 Graf (Sisson), 9107 Villamain 4 (Daura), 9125 Villamain (Centeno), 9195 Villamain (Hunt), 9231 Villamain (Finley), 9309 Villamain (Esparza)

The Harris House Service Road is for staff, emergency vehicle and permitted access only and the gate is subject to closure at any time. The Mission San Juan Service Road is for staff, emergency vehicle and permitted access only, there is sufficient visitor parking in the Mission San Juan visitor parking lot. All San Juan Farm access roads (Listed Above) along Villamain Road are closed to the public. San Antonio Food Bank staff and volunteers are authorized access to the San Juan Farm and its listed access roads as needed. The San Juan Farm access roads are closed to the general public to deter criminal activity in remote areas and prevent potential damage to park resources.

2. Oversized Vehicle Parking is Prohibited at The Mission San Jose Visitor Center. The parking lot is closed for parking to any buses, campers, motor homes and other oversized vehicles in excess of 20 feet in total length. Commercial trollies, school and commercial buses may use the designated bus drop off lane as needed to drop off and pick up passengers. Parking in the bus drop off lane is prohibited as is parking in handicap spaces for passenger pick up and drop off without a handicap license plate or placard. Buses, campers, motor homes and other oversized vehicles in excess of 20 feet in total length must park in the designated oversize vehicle lane located across from the San Jose Picnic Area.

The Visitor Center parking lot is not big enough to safely accommodate vehicles in excess of 20 feet in length. There is sufficient parking for these vehicles just east of the parking lot and adjacent to the Mission San Jose picnic area. Visitors should follow posted “Bus and Oversize Vehicle Parking” signs from the main parking lot to these designated areas.

3. (iv) Gyroscopically Controlled Mobility Devices

The use of a Segway or a similar gyroscopically controlled device is considered the same as a motorized wheelchair and may be used (as provided by ADA law) by persons with mobility disabilities. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park does not have any prohibitions concerning motorized wheelchair access. For safety purposes, a Segway or similar device are required to travel at a walking pace in all areas of the park. Use of a Segway outside of ADA law is prohibited.

The Superintendent had determined that this designation is in compliance with NPS policy and is a reasonable attempt to make the park’s programs, facilities and services more accessible to people with mobility disabilities.

D. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Policy

In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that San Antonio Missions National Historical Park uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring and recording.

The park’s use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use—which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards—will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the 5 proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the visitors and the apprehension of alleged criminals and prosecution of crimes. (RM-9, 26.1)

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in the government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers (RM-9, 26.1)

Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations (RM-9, 26.1-26.4). No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views (RM-9, 26.4.2).

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.

II. 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – DESIGNATED AREAS, CONDITIONS, OR RESTRICTIONS ON A USE OR ACTIVITY

Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, damaging cultural resources, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 dated June 19, 2024.

III. 36 CFR § 1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

A. The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required as per Park Special Use Permit Guidelines:

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

A. Section 2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources

B. Section 2.4 – Weapons, Traps and Nets

(g) The following buildings within the park are designated as "federal facilities," and shall be signed to indicate that firearms are prohibited inside these buildings in accordance with 18 USC § 930:

C. Section 2.10 Camping and food storages

Camping is prohibited in all areas within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Camping is typically a recreational activity that requires permit monitoring and management of resources to establish suitable conditions. San Antonio Missions NHP is a metropolitan park driven to provide historical, cultural, and educational insight therefore, there are no designated recreational camping sites available within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions NHP.

D. Section 2.11 Picnicking

Picnicking at Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Concepcion, and the Brown Park/River Rest areas is restricted to the designated picnic table(s) area. Designated picnic tables areas are for use during daylight hours only (sunrise to sunset).

There are sufficient designated picnic tables at each of these locations with available trash and recycling containers. Fire ants are common in other grassy areas and as such are not deemed appropriate for picnicking.

E. Section 2.13 Fires

(a)(1) All fires, including propane, wood and/or cooking coals are prohibited at all National Park Service managed locations including all missions, park picnic areas, Espada Aqueduct, Brown Park River Rest area and Rancho de las Cabras unless authorized by permit from the Superintendent.

There are no available fire grills and/or fire rings available in the park and no facilities exist for the disposal of hot wood or coals. Coal grills for cooking are readily available at city and county park
facilities immediately adjacent to NPS units.

F. Section 2.15 Pets

(a)(1) Pets are prohibited inside all NPS public buildings including all visitor contact stations. This does not apply to approved service animals.

(a)(5) Pet owners or responsible persons shall promptly police and dispose of pet fecal matter into the nearest trash receptacle when within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Pets are prohibited from NPS buildings by regulation. San Antonio Missions NHP is a metropolitan park with high concentrations of visitors in a small area. For the health and enjoyment of all visitors it is necessary for pet owners to clean up after their pet.

G. Section 2.16 Horses and Pack Animals

(b) (g) The uses of horses or pack animals outside of trails, routes or areas designated for their use is prohibited.

Horses are prohibited in all mission compounds without a permit from the park Superintendent.

H. Section 2.20 Skating, skateboards, and similar devices

The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices in all National Park Service managed areas is prohibited except River Walk trails that fall within the park boundaries.

Due to high concentrations of visitors, heavy vehicle traffic throughout park and the availability of nearby county and local parks which permit such devices, the use of these devices is prohibited.

I. Section 2.21 Smoking

(a) Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

All federal buildings and structures are closed to smoking pursuant to Executive Order 13058.

J. Section 2.22 Property

(b)(2) Leaving property unattended, for ANY period of time, in or near any park building or resource, is prohibited. All property left unattended in violation of these conditions may be considered dangerous or threatening to park resources and may be impounded for inspection. Such an inspection may be destructive.

Unattended property presents and hazard and is potentially dangerous to park visitors. Given the short distances to parking lots, where personal property can be stored, there is no reason for visitors to leave their property unattended. The exceptions to this are:

• B-cycle station bicycles
• Personally owned bicycles parked at or to a bike rack
• Motorized vehicles (Including motor-assisted scooters and bicycles) parked in parking lots.

K. Section 2.35 Alcoholic Beverages

• The use, sale, or possession of alcoholic beverages in prohibited in all areas of the park, except when authorized under a specific permit issued by the Superintendent.

L. Section 2.51 - Demonstrations and Section 2.52 – Sale or Distribution of printed matter

(c)(1)(2) - Designated available park areas

The following areas are designated for demonstrations, and the sale or distribution of printed matter under section 2.52 provided they do not substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners, holders of commercial use authorizations, or contractors, within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park:

• Mission Concepcion – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)
• Mission San Jose – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)
• Mission San Juan – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)
• Mission Espada – Area 1 and Area 2 (See Attached Below)

M. Section 4.30 Bicycles

1. (f) Bicycles (Including motor-assisted bicycles & E-bikes) must be walked through all four mission compounds, in front of the Mission San Jose Visitor Center and on the San Juan Nature Trail at all times.

Bicycle use is very common throughout the park and there are excellent multi-use trails in or near all park units. Due to narrow walkways and high concentrations of visitors in the areas listed above it is necessary to walk bikes at all times to reduce the risk of accident/injury.

2. Electric bicycles.

a. E-bikes are allowed in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
b. A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h) (2)-(5).
c. Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.”

The term ‘e-bike’ means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). Allowing electric bicycle on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because these locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles.

Map of Mission Concepcion Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

Map of Mission San Jose Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

Map of Mission San Juan Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

Map of Mission Espada Public Assembly and Distribution of Printed Matter

Approved:
/s/ Christine Jacobs, Superintendent, March 24, 2025