Austin Parks, Facilities And Programs Reopened Amid Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — City officials began opening additional park amenities, facilities and programs this weekend after determining it was safe to do so despite ongoing reach of the coronavirus.

In an emailed advisory, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department assured the reopened facilities adhere to COVID-19: Risk-Based Guidelines. The city currently is in Stage 3 level precautions, the middle of a five-stage alert system.

The following park amenities are now accessible to the public once again:

• Barton Creek Spillway (aka "Barking Springs").
• Disc golf courses.
• Neighborhood tennis courts.
• Outdoor adult exercise equipment.
• Campsites at Emma Long Metropolitan Park.

Additionally, the following facilities* are allowed to reopen:

• Sunshine Camp.
• Girl Scout Cabin.

*Each facility will operate under reduced capacity and COVID-19 Modified Operating Procedures specific to each facility, such as social distancing, cleaning protocols, and other requirements of the non-profit operators.

Moreover, the following Austin Parks and Recreation Department programs may resume:

• Permitted outdoor fitness instruction,
• Approved small group (10 or less) activities (e.g. outdoor volunteer activities such as clean-ups and plantings).

The parks department continues to evaluate its system-wide operations on a daily basis, officials noted, adding that further consideration will be given for more Austin Parks and Recreation Department openings as risk stages decrease. Conversely, the department will again close recreational amenities if conditions deteriorate, officials said.

Park patrons are reminded to continue practicing social distancing, hand sanitation, and wearing masks. Updates on park and facility operations can be found at the PARD Facility Closures portal on the municipal website.