Parks & Recreation: What’s open and what’s not?

EDITOR’S NOTE: The post was updated on Friday, May 22, to reflect that park water fountains will be on June 1.  

By Kelly Kelbly, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director

As Gov. Greg Abbott continues his plans to open Texas, the College Station Parks and Recreation Department has been making plans for reopening spaces, facilities, and programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We base our discussions on federal, state, and local guidance to prioritize public health and safety.

Regrettably, budget reductions resulting from a significant decline in sales tax revenue are also a factor. Remember also that phased reopenings aren’t an immediate return to normal operations. They include necessary and appropriate measures to reduce the risks of community transmission.

Here’s a look at our current situation, including some answers to your most frequent questions.

Open Facilities

• Basketball courts
• Community and neighborhood parks (Directory)
• Disc golf courses
• Dog parks
• Larry J. Ringer Library
• Lick Creek Park
• G. Hysmith Skate Park
• Pavilions and shelters
• Playgrounds (use is discouraged)
• Sand volleyball courts
• Stephen C. Beachy Central Park office
• Tennis courts

Facility Reopening Schedule

• Athletic Fields – June 1 for practices; June 15 for tournaments
• Lick Creek Nature Center office and restrooms – June 1 (open Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1-6 p.m.)
• Park restrooms and water fountains – June 1
• Veterans Park & Athletic Complex – May 23

Remaining Facility Closures

• Adamson Lagoon
• Cindy Hallaran Pool
• Fun For All Playground and splash pad
• Lincoln Recreation Center
• Meyer Senior & Community Center
• Southwood Community Center
• W.A. Tarrow splash pad

Canceled Summer Programs

• Tsunami Swim Team
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
• Water Safety Instructor Certification
• Swim Lessons
• 5V5 Basketball League
• Summer Youth Basketball
• Summer Softball & Kickball Leagues
• Starlight Music Series
• Challenger Bowling
• Water Aerobics
• Mini Summer Camps
• College Station Senior Games (Sept. 25-27)

For your convenience, here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions:

Are playgrounds open?
Yes, but their use is discouraged. Citizens should stay 6 feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with them and follow other CDC guidelines.

Is Lick Creek Park open?
Yes, the trails are open. The office and restrooms will open on June 1. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m-5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.

Is Veterans Park & Athletic Complex open?
The park will open on May 23. The restrooms and athletic fields open on June 1.

When will the pools and splash pads open?
Cindy Hallaran Pool will remain closed for the 2020 season due to budgetary constraints. Adamson Lagoon is closed due to strict CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, sanitization, and staffing requirements. Depending on protocols and governor’s orders, Adamson could open July 6. We’ll decide at the end of June. Splash pads will open when allowed by the governor.

Will you have swimming lessons this year?
No, if we open Adamson in July, staff will focus on proper cleaning and public swimming.

When will the Lincoln Recreation Center’s full-day summer camp open?
We canceled Session 1 due to strict CDC guidelines regarding group sizes, activity restrictions, social distancing, sanitization, and staffing requirements. Depending on protocols and governor’s orders, we might offer session 2 beginning July 6. We’ll decide at the end of June.

When will the Summer Parks Guide be published?
The summer guide will not be published. We are committed to providing updated information through our website.

Who will enforce minimum health protocols for non-city-sponsored youth sports and tournaments?
User groups and tournament organizers are responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing minimum health protocols for their events at our facilities. The city is responsible for sanitizing restrooms, trash cans, and fields.

When will senior adult programming resume?
Senior programming won’t resume until the fall. People 65 years and older and those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities are encouraged to stay home as much as possible.

Are dog parks open?
Yes, Barracks, Steeplechase, and University Park are open.

Can you fish at College Station ponds?
Yes, you can fish at Brothers Pond, Cy Miller, John Crompton, and Stephen C. Beachy Central Park ponds. You must have a freshwater fishing stamp if you’re 17 or older. For information on pond stocking, harvest regulations, and license requirements, go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

Are cemeteries open?
Yes, the Aggie Field of Honor and the College Station Cemetery are open for visitation. The hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to sunset, and on Sunday from 6 a.m. to sunset.

We understand the vital role our department plays in our community’s quality of life, especially during these challenging times. We are faithfully working to create healthier, happier, and more connected communities while responsibly addressing the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information, contact us at 979-764-3486 or parks@cstx.gov.

About the Blogger

Assistant Director Kelly Kelbly is in her 19th year with the College Station Parks & Recreation Department. A native of Gilmer, Kelly is a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M.

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May 21, 2020 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: Adamson Lagoon, athletic fields, Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center, Cindy Hallaran Pool, city facilities, College Station Senior Games, COVID-19, dog parks, Fun for All Playground, G. Hysmith Skate Park, Lick Creek Nature Center, Lick Creek Park, Lincoln Recreation Center, parks, Parks and Recreation, parks guide, pools, Ringer Library, Southwood Community Center, splash pad, Tsunami Swim Team | Leave a comment