San Marcos reopening river parks ahead of Memorial Day weekend

Mayor: Large crowds ‘highly discouraged’

SAN ANTONIO – Riverfront parks in San Marcos will reopen Friday in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The city announced that the parks will stay open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily starting Friday, but visitors must “exercise responsibility” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to a news release.

Recommended Videos



Visitors are encouraged to distance themselves from people not in their household and wear face coverings when distancing isn’t possible.

More than 100 people arrested at Jeep Weekend on Bolivar peninsula as Texas beaches reopen

The river will be open for tubing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Playgrounds, basketball courts, and pavilions at the parks will remain closed.

These parks are scheduled to reopen on Friday:

  • Rio Vista Park, including the skate park and tennis courts
  • City Park (including Dog Beach)
  • San Marcos Plaza Park
  • Juan Veramendi Plaza Park
  • William & Eleanor Crook Park
  • Hays County Veterans Memorial
  • JJ Stokes Park

Restrooms and hand washing stations will be cleaned three times a day and will close at dusk, the release states.

Padre Island National Seashore cancels popular turtle release events for the summer

Parking will be allowed at the Fish Hatchery, Ramon Lucio Park, and along CM Allen Parkway and Cheatham Street.

“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,” Mayor Jane Hughson said in the release. “The virus is still in our city and is still very contagious, so large crowds of people in our river parks are highly discouraged.”

Read also

‘They were scared and I don’t blame them’: San Antonio family witnesses South Padre Island condo fire

Official: Two people shot at Jeep Weekend at Texas beach

‘I was shocked’: Port Aransas photographer captured images of a crowded beach. Then came the hate mail


About the Author:

Rebecca Salinas has worked in digital news for more than 10 years and joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.