Beginning on Saturday, September 12, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will reopen additional park amenities, facilities and programs. It’s been determined that these re-openings may proceed safely during Stage 3 COVID-19: Risk-Based Guidelines. These changes were made in consultation with Austin Public Health and City leadership.

The following park amenities will be available:

• 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. 

Finally, these PARD 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 Department continues to evaluate its system-wide operations on a daily basis. As risk stages decrease, further consideration will be given to additional PARD openings. It is also possible that if conditions deteriorate, the Department will again close amenities/facilities.

Park patrons are reminded to continue practicing social distancing, hand sanitation, and wearing masks. Updates on park and facility operations can be found at austintexas.gov/parkclosures.