A major flood in 1921 had killed 50 people and resulted in millions of dollars in property damage, as well as public outcries to cover the river with concrete, with the riverbed to serve as a sewer. With WPA work crews, Hugman and engineer Edwin P. Arneson completed most of the walks, arched bridges and entrance steps during 1939 to 1941. The River Walk remained primarily a park for years, and, in fact, developed a tainted reputation. However, in preparation for HemisFair 1968, the World's Fair in San Antonio, commercial development and beautification along the river began in earnest and still continues. Today, the river's floating transportation system provides a novel method of sightseeing and people watching in downtown San Antonio.
Groups can also dine aboard open-air, candlelit cruisers.
River cruisers deliver visitors to Rivercenter, a dazzling three-level, glass shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Entertaining is a favorite activity along the River Walk, and restaurants offer cuisines from the finest Tex-Mex delicacies to sizzling Texas steaks to Creole cooking to Italian pasta. Lively groups sing along in an Irish pub and a Dixieland band performs far into the night. Hard Rock Cafe anchors South Bank, a collection of dining and entertainment options, while Planet Hollywood anchors Presidio Plaza, the newest complex on the River Walk. The River Walk also offers its own unique outdoor theatre.