The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department will be closing all county parks and trails at sunset on April 9 until sunrise April 13, according to an April 8 news release.

Officials said the decision to close these facilities and outdoor locations is an effort to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and prevent residents from being exposed to the virus during the busy holiday weekend, the release said.

“The safety and welfare of our citizens is of utmost importance right now. Parks are popular places and the crowds we typically see on holidays, like Easter weekend, leave minimal opportunity to practice social distancing. The health risks are just too great not to close our parks and trails,” said Russell Fishbeck, the director of the parks department, in the release.

The gates at the following locations will be closed, locked and barricaded:

• Berry Springs Park & Preserve, 1801 CR 152, Georgetown;


• Champion Park, 3830 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park; and


• Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, 219 Perry Mayfield, Leander.

There also will be signage at those locations and at various access points along Brushy Creek Regional Trail to remind residents that access is prohibited, the release said.

Park staff on duty will be patrolling these areas and will be enforcing this directive, it said.