Houston’s city-operated public parks have been open during much of the COVID-19 pandemic but are now phasing back to full capacity allowing sports, playground use and pavilion rentals, among other activities.

On March 8, the parks department reopened its baseball and softball fields for both youth and adults.

Beginning March 22, the parks department will begin allowing the following activities:

• sports fields for league games and tournaments for youth and adult baseball and softball;


• playgrounds;


• outdoor exercise stations;


• tennis courts for tournaments;


• small picnic pavilion rentals;


• small bootcamps; and


• Lake Houston Wilderness Park’s archery range and playground areas.

The next week, beginning March 29, the parks department will add the following:

• other sports fields for league games and tournaments (soccer, football and lacrosse fields—youth and adults);


• basketball rim installations begin;


• soccer mini-pitch courts;


• Houston Parks and Recreation Department adult sports leagues; and


• Houston Parks and Recreation Department youth sports leagues (Soccer for Success, H-Town Academy, and Greater Houston Police Activities League).

Until further notice the following facilities remain closed to the public:

• 40 community centers;


• swimming pools;


• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (except for outdoor activities);


• North Wayside Sports Center; and


• Lake Houston Wilderness Park’s dining hall, group camping sites and group lodges.

All openings are contingent on COVID-19 case numbers, according to the parks department.