Austin parks, trails to temporarily close Easter weekend
AUSTIN, Texas - The Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Austin has announced that all the parks and trails within city limits will be closed Easter weekend.
The parks and trails are being closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The closure goes into effect at sunset, Thursday, April 9 and goes through sunrise, Monday, April 13.
According to the press release, PARD historically sees an increase in visitors during the Easter holiday. However, crowding in parks makes it challenging for visitors to comply with the physical distancing requirements issued with the Stay Home-Work Safe Order.
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This closure includes all city parks, trails, greenbelts and preserves -- which includes the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, according to PARD.
Signage, gate closure and regular patrols will remind the community of the park closures. Park Rangers will also be working to continue to educate and push for compliance by the public.
Residents can use the Parks and Recreation Department's (PARD) parkviewer app to see what has been closed - if the greenspace is listed, it is closed for the holiday weekend.
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PARD has also temporarily closed:
- All Recreation Centers
- All Cultural Centers
- All Museums
- All Senior Centers
- All Aquatic Facilities
- Barking Springs/Spillway below Barton Springs Pool
- All Golf Courses. Golf walking is not allowed as of April 6.
- All Tennis Centers
- All Playgrounds
- Zilker Botanical Garden
- Zilker Caretaker House
- Old Bakery & Emporium
- All Special Event facilities
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park Campsites
- Park amenities including, but not limited to: basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds, disc golf courses, exercise equipment and pavilions.
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