SAN MARCOS, Texas - The City of San Marcos has announced that riverfront parks will be reopened on Friday, May 22. The parks will be open for active recreation seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Park visitors are advised and expected to use caution and exercise responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including maintaining social distancing with those not living in their household, washing hands, and wearing masks or face coverings when distancing is not possible.
Parks scheduled to open on Friday include:
- Rio Vista Park
- City Park (including Dog Beach)
- San Marcos Plaza Park
- Juan Veramendi Plaza Park
- William & Eleanor Crook Park
- Hays County Veterans Memorial
- JJ Stokes Park
- Ramon Lucio Park (including the San Marcos Wildlife Annex)
The Skate Park and tennis courts at Rio Vista Park will also open to the public.
“We know the community is excited to see our river parks reopen, but we strongly advise park-goers to maintain personal responsibility when it comes to keeping themselves and those around them safe,” said Mayor Jane Hughson. “The virus is still in our city and is still very contagious, so large crowds of people in our river parks are highly discouraged.”
Bathroom facilities and handwashing stations will be cleaned three times per day and will close at dusk, according to the city.
Parking will be permitted at the Fish Hatchery, at Ramon Lucio Park, and along CM Allen Parkway and Cheatham Street. Parking will not be permitted at Rio Vista Park. Signage will be displayed to direct park patrons in and around the parks and on the safe route back to City Park.
Individuals may utilize the river for active recreation such as tubing, kayaking, canoeing, or swimming. Dog walking and exercising is permitted on park trails open to the public.
Playgrounds, basketball courts, and pavilions in all parks will remain closed, along with Rio Vista Pool. Bicentennial Park, Children’s Park, Thompson’s Island, Cape’s Dam/Camp, and the Dog Park will also remain closed.
The City of San Marcos is also reminding residents that areas designated by orange construction fencing are off-limits. Active construction on the San Marcos Shared Use Path Trail project is still underway in portions of Rio Vista Park, Children’s Park, and Bicentennial Park.
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Additional city facilities including the Public Library, Activity Center, and other parks and playgrounds will be opened on a phased schedule based on the reduction of COVID cases within San Marcos and Hays County. Details concerning the status of community events and programs such as Summer Fun, Movies in the Park, and Summerfest will be released later this week, according to a press release from the city.
The Lion’s Club Tube Rental will open on Monday, June 1. Information about the reopening of the Lion’s Club Tube Rental may be found on their website or on their Facebook page.
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