Crews are still removing trash and debris washed up by Hurricane Hanna’s storm surge at Padre Island National Seashore. The park reopened Thursday, Aug. 20. Courtesy photo
Padre Island National Seashore reopens Aug. 20. The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world was closed to visitors after taking the brunt of Hurricane Hanna on July 25. The north and south beaches, the Bird Island Basin day-use area, and Malaquite beach all reopen at 6 a.m. Thursday.
Developed campgrounds at Malaquite and Bird Island Basin will remain closed. Primitive camping will be allowed again on the north and south beaches with overnight parking permitted at the Bird Island Basin boat ramp.
“The dock at Bird Island boat ramp is being rebuilt and the dock will not be available until the work is finished,” reads a news release from the National Park Service. “There is still a large amount of lightweight plastic debris on the beach that was brought in with the storm surge.”
Visitors are encouraged to help clean up debris and trash. Trash bags are available at the visitor center complex. Because of ongoing repairs and cleanup, visitors also are asked to take extra precautions when driving in the area.
Padre Island National Seashore is located at 20420 Park Road 22 in Corpus Christi. Call 361-949-8068 for more information. Follow the park’s Facebook page for more.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Nueces County beaches have also reopened to vehicle traffic, although a 7-mile stretch from Bob Hall Pier to Padre Island National Seashore remains closed due to Hurricane Hanna damage. A curfew remains in effect from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. daily.
