Mayor Jane Hughson has ordered parks to remain closed until further notice effective as of 11 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday, April 21 and has issued a new public health advisory strongly recommending San Marcos residents to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks in public. Natural areas will remain open, but visitors to these areas must observe CDC recommendations on social distancing.
“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort and requires us all to do our part,” Hughson said. “The measures encouraged by the CDC can save lives – but we have to be diligent in following them.”
Public Health Advisory
The Mayor has issued a Public Health Advisory building on one issued April 1 encouraging residents to “Stay Home to Save Lives.” This new advisory adopts CDC guidelines to:
- practice social distancing, environmental sanitation and cleanliness; and to wear cloth face coverings or face masks while in public
- stay home if sick
- limit contact in public, and only leave home when necessary to obtain or provide essential services
- limit contact with public surfaces – sanitizing them if possible – and washing hands after touching surfaces other people have touched, such as door handles and gas pumps
Closed Parks
The following parks remain closed until further notice:
San Marcos River Parks: Rio Vista Park, City Park, Plaza Park, Veramendi Park, Bicentennial Park, Children’s Park, Crook Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Dog Beach, Capes Park, Thompson’s Island, Stokes Park, Ramon Lucio Park, and Wildlife Annex/Wilderness Park
Other Park Facility Closures: Children’s Park Playscape, City Park Playscape, all neighborhood park playscapes, neighborhood park basketball courts, Dog Park, and Skate Park.
Public restroom facilities and water fountains in all city parks and natural areas will remain closed until further notice.
Natural Areas Open with Social Distancing Rules
Natural areas in the City remain open at this time, but visitors to these areas must practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals not in your household and are prohibited from gathering in groups of more than five people. The following natural areas remain open:
Natural Areas: Blanco Shoals Natural Area; Prospect Park Natural Area; Purgatory Creek Natural Area; Ring Tail Ridge Natural Area; Schulle Canyon Natural Area; Sessom Creek Natural Area; and Spring Lake Natural Area.
People violating this parks closure order are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and possible arrest on charges of criminal trespass if a person refuses to leave after being warned to do so by a peace officer.
To read the Mayor’s full order and second Public Health Advisory visit sanmarcostx.gov/covid19info. For media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov
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