Recreation at Houston Parks is (Mostly) Back

Houston park lovers are in for a treat.  Mayor Sylvester Turner announced in a press conference on Monday that the city plans to reopen many of its park facilities  to the public over the next few weeks, so this spring may yet see you putting your surplus of comfortable athleisure wear to great work on the couch in the great outdoors. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect at Houston parks and do keep in mind these openings are all tentative and based upon our Covid-19 numbers—good to know before you ask the duke of your dreams to promenade with you.

Expected to open on Monday, March 22 

• Sports fields for youth & adult baseball and softball league games and tournaments (they’re already open for practice via permit)
• Playgrounds
• Outdoor exercise stations
• Tennis courts for tournaments
• Small picnic pavilion rentals
• Small bootcamps
• Lake Houston Wilderness Park’s archery range and playground areas

Expected to open on Monday, March 29

• Other sports fields for youth and adult league games and tournaments (soccer, football, and lacrosse fields)
• Basketball rim installations begin
• Soccer mini-pitch courts
• HPARD adult sports
• HPARD youth sports (Soccer for Success, H-Town Academy, and GHPAL)

Among the facilities remaining closed until further notice are our city’s 40 community centers, swimming pools, the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (except for outdoor activities), the North Wayside Sports Center, and Lake Houston Wilderness Park’s dining hall, group camping sites, and group lodges.  

And because you’ll want to stay safe while watching legions of delighted children resume their team sports, remember to mask up, as per usual:

.@HPARD has released a phased in reopening of our city’s parks. This is a gradual, methodical phase in approach. If parents or patrons are sitting in the stands or watching, we ask them to wear their masks. If anyone is coming to city venues & facilities, please wear your masks.

— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) March 8, 2021