While city parks remain open, the city announced April 17 it would restrict parking at several parks, including Buffalo Bayou Park, Memorial Park and Hermann Park, in an effort to limit crowds and encourage the use of other parks.

Parks with gated parking entrances will be locked starting Friday night and unlocked Monday morning, according to a news release.

"The Parks Department is working extremely hard to help slow the spread of COVID-19," said Steve Wright, director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, in the release. "This decision to limit parking at parks was made for the greater good -- to help stop park overcrowding which we hope will flatten the curve, and ultimately help the City win the battle against COVID-19."

The city's parks remain open, but the parks department will continue to monitor usage to avoid overcrowding.