Most public parks in the Katy area remain open as of March 31 as local cities set regulations to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
While parks remain open, cities such as Katy are urging locals to stay at least 6 feet apart and maintain proper hygiene at all times when out in public parks.
However, public areas in open parks, such as playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, are closed due to regulations set by Harris and Fort Bend counties' Stay-at-Home and Work Safe orders adopted March 24.
"We will enforce the city ordinances with respect and common sense," Katy Police Chief Noe Diaz said. "Officers will use his or her discretion to mitigate each violation. We hope to inform our community about social distancing instead of issuing a citation. We just ask people to adhere to Gov. Abbott’s recommended social distancing."
Below is a noncomprehensive map and list of the status of parks and trails in the area.
- The City of Katy Off-Leash Dog Park, located at 5414 Franz Road, Katy, is closed as of March 31.
- Exploration Park, located at 15020 Cinco Park Road, Katy, is closed as of March 31.
- Katy Park, located at 24927 Morton Road, Katy, is open with limited access to public areas, such as restrooms and pavilions.
- VFW Park, located at 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy, remains open until further notice, but visitors should practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart. Public areas, such as playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, are closed.
- The lawn area at Willow Fork Drainage District's Central Green Park, located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, remains open, but visitors should practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart. Restrooms are closed.
- Trails and green spaces are open at Willow Fork Park, located between the Grand Parkway and Cinco Ranch High School. The pavilion, playground and restrooms are closed.
- Thomas Park, located at 5919 Fourth St., Katy, remains open, but public areas, such as playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, are closed.
- Cullen Park, located at 19008 Saums Road, Houston, is open as of March 31. Tennis centers, golf courses and skate parks are closed, but dog parks and trails will remain open until further notice.
- Flewellen Creek Park, located at Ivy Hollow Lane, Fulshear, remains open. No specific restrictions are listed online, but visitors should follow state-issued regulations and remain at least 6 feet apart.
- Fulshear Bend Pocket Park, near the intersection at Cross Creek Bend Lane and Fulshear Bend Drive in Fulshear, is closed as of April 1, according to an email from Carrie Roehling, the director of marketing-Cross Creek Ranch.
- George Bush Park, located at 16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston, remains open, but public areas, such as playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, are closed. Visitors are welcome to walk or bike through trails, but they must follow state-issued regulations and stay at least 6 feet apart.
- The Irene Stern Community Center Park, owned by the city of Fulshear, remains open, but the city of Fulshear is following regulations set by the state of Texas. As such, park visitors should stay at least 6 feet apart and avoid public areas, such as restrooms and playgrounds.
- The Mason Creek Hike and Bike trail, located at 2500 Porter Road, Katy, remains open, but visitors should stay at least 6 feet apart.
- Mary Jo Peckham Park, located at 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy, remains open, but public areas, such as playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, are closed. All visitors should practice social distancing and remain at least 6 feet apart.
- Malcolm E. Beckendorff Family Park, located at 1815 Katyland Drive, Katy, remains open, but visitors should practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart. Public areas, such as playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, are closed.
