Austin closes city basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks to public

After closing swimming facilities, senior facilities, playgrounds and more March 16, the city of Austin closed further recreational facilities to the public March 28 in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning March 28, all city tennis courts, basketball courts, skate parks and pavilions are closed to the public, according to a news release from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Other public parks facilities—such as playgrounds, playscapes, exercise equipment and recreation centers—were previously closed to the public March 16.

Bathrooms and water fountains at city parks will remain open, with the parks department cleaning and sanitizing those facilities multiple times a day, according to the March 28 news release.

“While in ordinary times park amenities provide countless benefits, these amenities under current circumstances hinder the ability for individuals to practice physical social distancing," the parks department release stated.

Trails and park green spaces, such as the field at Zilker Metropolitan Park, will remain open to the public.

Golf course green spaces also remain open to the public, but walking play is only permitted on city courses, according to the city of Austin’s website.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department recommends residents continue using social distancing guidelines when using open green spaces and trails.