Travis County announced it would reopen most of its parks Sept. 4 following several months of closures for many parks during the coronavirus pandemic. Only Cypress Creek Park, Sandy Creek Park, Hamilton Pool Preserve and county-operated athletics fields will remain closed.

Although most parks have reopened, capacity and access to amenities varies by location. Visitors at all parks must abide by Travis County Stage 3 coronavirus risk guidelines, meaning gatherings should be no greater than 10 people, and masking and social distancing is required. Additionally, commercial and rental access to any boat ramps located in the parks is restricted.

With parks opening ahead of Labor Day weekend, Austin-Travis County Health Authority Mark Escott weighed in at a Sept. 4 press conference on how residents can responsibly enjoy the holiday.

"Go outside. Exercise. Get some sunshine. That's all fine. Just don't have your neighbors over and your extended family over, because that's where we see danger," Escott said. "Just be smart this weekend. Enjoy getting outside. Do something with your family. But do what you can also to help us mitigate the spread."