San Marcos officials OK reopening of parks and river access

Due to what city officials are describing as a steady decline in active COVID-19 cases, the city of San Marcos will reopen all public facilities, including parks and athletic complexes, starting Sept. 16 at 8 a.m.

“As we welcome the public back to enjoy our facilities, parks and beautiful river, we ask that the community remains diligent in following CDC guidelines, local and state mandated regulations and works together to continue to stop the spread of COVID,” City Manager Bert Lumbreras said in a press release issued Sept. 11.

The release states signage will be posted at all facilities and parks requesting visitors to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Those include wearing a mask and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from those who do not reside in the same home.

City officials are encouraging park patrons to participate in active recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, walking, running and general exercise and stated park restrooms in City Park, Children’s Park and William & Eleanor Crook Park will be open until 8 p.m. and will be cleaned twice daily.

Information from the city also states chain link fencing around the river parks will allow access to trails and the river between City Park and Rio Vista Park.

“In an effort to assist with social distancing and prevent gathering, the fencing will remain in City Park and Rio Vista Park limiting access to park amenities such as picnic tables and pavilions,” the release states. “BBQ grills and pop-up shelters are not permitted since picnic table sites will be unavailable.”

Because Gov. Greg Abbott’s late June order halting tubing outfitters and the transportation of tubers is still in place, the city is still not allowing the Lions Club, the biggest river outfitter in the city, to operate this season. Capes Park and Thompson’s Island will remain closed, according to the release.

For more information on the parks reopening, click here.