San Marcos parks to remain closed until further notice

SAN MARCOS, Texas - The mayor of San Marcos has ordered parks in the city to remain closed until further notice and issued a new public health advisory.

The order went into effect as of 11 p.m. Tuesday. The public health advisory strongly recommends residents to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks in public.

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“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort and requires us all to do our part,” Mayor Jane Hughson said. “The measures encouraged by the CDC can save lives – but we have to be diligent in following them.”

The following parks will remain closed until further notice:

• 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 
• Wildlife Annex/Wilderness Park

The Children’s Park playscape, City Park playscape, all neighborhood park playscapes, neighborhood park basketball courts, dog park, and skate park will also remain closed, as well as public restroom facilities and water fountains in all city parks and natural areas.

Natural areas will remain open, but visitors must observe CDC recommendations on 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 areas will remain open:

• 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
• 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. 

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The mayor also 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
• 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
• washing hands after touching surfaces other people have touched, such as door handles and gas pumps

To read the Mayor’s full order and second Public Health Advisory visit the city's COVID-19 website. 

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