Parks and beaches in Nueces County, including Padre Island National Seashore and those within the city of Corpus Christi, will be closed to the public for Easter weekend, announced Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb and County Judge Barbara Canales at the daily joint city/county news briefing Wednesday, April 8. The restrictions were added to emergency orders approved by county commissioners and the City Council as measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Parks will close at 6 a.m. on Good Friday, April 10, and reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, April 13. Gates, barriers, and signs will be erected at entrance points for all parks and beaches with vehicular access.
“This is to protect from crowds gathering,” McComb said. “The other reason: We don’t want people from surrounding communities to come here and get sick or, if they are a carrier, coming down and bringing it to Corpus Christi. This is a win-win if we can contain it here and not allow more here.”
Port Aransas Mayor Charles Bujan later announced from his home that beaches and parks in his community also would be closed for the Easter holiday weekend. The closures were coordinated with the Texas General Land Office, which governs beaches and water in the state.
“It’s imperative that we do what we can to control crowds and control visitors to our beaches,” Canales said.
In response to a question about whether individuals could still walk on the beach, the county judge’s answer became somewhat heated.
“We are trying to make sure there are not groups of people on the beach,” she said. “This is difficult for me. There are some people whose backyard IS the beach. That is a different scenario, but what I’m going to ask of us, as the county judge, will you help us so it doesn’t seem like it’s open for one and not another? If we can actually pitch in and help one another, and, on Monday, go back to normal.”
As for enforcement, she admitted it would be limited because police resources are needed elsewhere. However, she was adamant about one area of enforcement: barricades.
“I’m going to enforce people messing with these barricades,” she said. “We will find out who you are, and you will not be in good shape when we do. Messing with those barriers is a direct violation of a legal order, and it comes with a fine and up to 180 days in jail. They are your beaches and your parks, but they are ours to safeguard.”
She and McComb both urged families to celebrate the holidays, whether Easter or Passover, a weeklong Jewish observance that began Wednesday, April 8, in their homes with their immediate family members.
“This gives us an opportunity to remember the real meaning of these holidays,” McComb said. “You won’t lose the meaning and focus of what the holiday is all about, what it means to individuals, this country, and the world. This is a real opportunity to think about this holiday.”
The courthouse also will be closed on Good Friday; however, Canales will be on hand April 10 to answer calls to the county’s COVID-19 hotline number: 361-441-6000.
“These beach closures are in our best interest for this weekend," she said. "Then, on Monday, we can go back to enjoying our walks, runs, surfing, all the leisure activities that are good for us.”
Beaches and parks listed for closure in the order are:
City Parks

  • Bill Witt Park 
  • West Guth Park  
  • Manuel Q. Salinas Park
  • The Water’s Edge 
  • Cole Park 
  • Labonte Park 
  • Lakeview Park  
  • Parker Park  

County Parks

  •  Hazel Bazemore Park
  •  Lyondell Baseball Park
  • Hilltop Park
  • San Juan Park
  • Oscar Ortiz Park
  • John Sablatura Park
  • Barber Lane Park
  • Sandy Hallow Park
  • Lone Oak Park
  • Amistad Veterans Memorial Park
  • Bobby Ray & Opal Younts Park
  • Banquete Park
  • Lost Creek Park
  • 83 Yard Park
  • Fairground Stadium

Bay Beaches

  • McGee Beach
  • North Beach 

Gulf Beaches

  • City and County Gulf Beaches from Access Road 2 through County Road 6 (Access Road 2, Beach Marker 62, Newport Pass Road, Zahn Road, Access Road 3A, Windward Parking Lot, White Cap Beach, County Road 4, County Road 5, Bob Hall Park and Pier, and County Road 6).

For more tips on how to keep yourself, your workspace, and your home safe, visit the COVID-19 resources webpage at CCBizNews.com/covid-19. You’ll also find information on the latest news, closures, cancellations, and public orders along with informational links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
If you think you have the coronavirus, please contact the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District at 361-826-7200, and a representative will give you instructions. Check the city’s webpage for more information.