To continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain social distancing throughout the upcoming holiday weekend, the City of San Marcos will close ALL parks, playscapes, natural areas, open spaces, and trails from 11 PM, Friday, April 10, until early Monday morning, April 13.
Parks & Recreation Director Drew Wells said City parks and natural areas typically see a significant increase in traffic over the holiday weekend as families and groups enjoy the outdoors.
He said it was a difficult decision to make but ultimately, he believes, the right one.
“We understand our community would love to be able to celebrate Easter in our beautiful parks,” Wells said. “But we cannot take the unnecessary risk and jeopardize the gains we are making in the fight against COVID-19. Our community can stop the spread of the coronavirus by continuing to follow the Orders from Governor Greg Abbott, Mayor Jane Hughson and the recommendations of health officials.”
On Monday, April 13, natural areas will reopen beginning at 6 AM.
Once they reopen, visitors to these areas are reminded to practice social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals outside your household and that groups/gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited.
“When our natural areas and trails within these areas reopen, visitors are also encouraged to be aware when these areas are wet and muddy as excessive use can result in considerable damage being done to the trails,” Wells said. “Deep ruts or footprints created when the trails are muddy may provide safety hazards for future use.”
The following park areas will continue to remain closed through at least May 11 per City directive issued by Mayor Hughson on March 24: playgrounds, playscapes, the skate park, dog park, restrooms, water fountains and all riverfront parks.
Riverfront parks include Rio Vista, City Park, Plaza Park, Veramendi, Bicentennial, 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.
San Marcos will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the State Department of Health Services, the Hays County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control.
For current updates, helpful resources and useful links, visit the City’s dedicated COVID-19 website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/covid19info.
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The governor's order declares supermarkets are an essential service
The governor's order declares parks are an essential service
The governor's order specifically overrides all conflicting city orders.
Mr. Drew Wells has no authority to declare our parks off limits.
By the way - did you know Mr. Wells also sells "permits" to private business to conduct
private enterprises in our public parks. At least that's what he told us after we complained
about people who set up loud amplified disco music next to our table and began some kind
of training session. Our City ordinances prohibit amplified music in our parks, for obvious reasons.
Our capitial improvement taxes pay for our parks. Yet for six hundred dollars a year, Mr. Wells
will sell permission for your business to enter our parks, crank up the tunes and run others off.
Mr. Wells background?
He used to run the dog shelter here, and he's used to pushing "things" around.