San Marcos River Parks Reopen Friday, Caution Still Advised

Starting this Friday, May 22, the City of San Marcos will reopen riverfront parks to active recreation seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM Park visitors are advised and expected to use caution and exercise responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Residents will still have to continue preventive measures such as 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, and 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. 

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. Areas designated by orange construction fencing are off-limits.

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. 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.

The City will continue to evaluate this riverfront park reopening and monitor the local COVID-19 case count to determine whether removing restrictions has a negative impact on public health.

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.

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 at www.tubesanmarcos.com or on their Facebook page.

For more information about City parks, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 512.393.8400 or parks_info@sanmarcostx.gov.