The City of San Marcos river parks will be closed again until further notice as of 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. The Dog Park, Skate Park, neighborhood parks, and natural areas will remain open, but visitors to these areas should observe CDC recommendations on social distancing and wear masks if they are unable to keep six feet distance between them and people outside their household.
“We have witnessed our City’s case count skyrocket over the last week,” said Mayor Jane Hughson. “By preventing large gatherings of recreational visitors in nearby parks, we are doing our part to ensure our local health organizations don’t exceed capacity in treating seriously ill patients. Our Council supports staff as they continue efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.”
Closed Parks
The following parks will be closed until further notice as of 8 p.m. on June 25:
San Marcos River Parks: Rio Vista Park, City Park, San Marcos Plaza Park, Veramendi Plaza Park, Bicentennial Park, Children’s Park, William & Eleanor Crook Park, Dog Beach, Cape’s Camp, Thompson’s Island, JJ Stokes Park, Ramon Lucio Park, and San Marcos Wildlife Habitat.
Other Park Facilities Closed: Children’s Park Playscape, the playground at City Park, all neighborhood park playgrounds and neighborhood park basketball courts. Gary Sports Complex, Rio Vista Pool, and Rio Vista tennis courts will also be closed.
Public restroom facilities and water fountains in all city parks and natural areas are closed until further notice.
Natural Areas and Neighborhood Parks Open with Social Distancing Rules
Natural areas and neighborhood parks in the City remain open at this time, but visitors to these areas should practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals not in your household and wear masks if you are unable to do so. Visitors are prohibited from gathering in groups of more than five people. The following 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.
Neighborhood Parks: Alameda Park; Anita Reyes Park; Conway Park; Dunbar Park; Eddie Durham Park; El Camino Real Park; Franklin Square Park; Gary Sports Complex; Jaycees Park; Mill Street Park; Paul Pena Park; Swift Memorial Park; Veterans Park; Victory Garden Park; and Willow Springs Park.
The Hays County Veterans Memorial will remain accessible, but river access from behind the memorial will be restricted.
Most closed park areas will be marked with signage and chain link fencing. People violating these parks closures 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.
In collaboration with the City’s efforts, the Lion’s Club Tube Rental will also close on Thursday, June 25 at 8 p.m.
To read more about park closures visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19parks or visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19info for current information on free COVID testing opportunities, the Mayor’s recent video and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra’s order mandating face coverings that became effective on June 22. For media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.
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