TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — As flowers bloom and spring is officially underway, more people are spending time outside in Central Texas.
This weekend, many may be planning to enjoy Easter festivities at community parks.
In preparation for Easter, Travis County Parks warned that it expects to see more visitors than usual on Sunday.
"Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early as Easter is one of the busiest days for the entire Travis County Parks system," the parks system said in a press release.
Travis County parks will be open to the public as usual, but closures are possible if capacity is reached at any point.
In order to ensure a safe visit to the parks, visitors are discouraged from bringing confetti eggs, also known as cascarónes, because they typically hold plastic confetti or small items inside.
Additionally, parkgoers should plan to arrive early for a better chance at securing entry. If a park becomes fully occupied, those who leave will not be permitted to return.
Pay-to-enter parks
Some parks require cash payments to enter, including:
- Arkansas Bend Park at 16900 Cherry Lane in Lago Vista
- Bob Wentz Park at 7144 Comanche Trail in Austin
- Cypress Creek Park at 13601 Bullick Hollow Road in Austin
- Hamilton Pool Preserve at 24300 Hamilton Pool Road in Dripping Springs
- Hippie Hollow Park at 7000 Comanche Trail in Austin
- Mansfield Dam Park at 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Road in Austin
- Pace Bend Park at 2805 Pace Bend Road North in Spicewood
- Reimers Ranch Park at 23610 Hamilton Pool Road in Dripping Springs
- Sandy Creek Park at 9500 Lime Creek Road in Leander
Where to make reservations
Those looking to use a shelter or pavilion for a large gathering of family or friends may want to make reservations ahead of time for a fee.
From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, reservations can be made by calling 512-854-7275. Those interested must provide information about which park they are interested in visiting and the type of facility, along with their name, the date, type of event and a form of contact.
Below is a list of areas where reservations are accepted:
Austin facilities
- Richard Moya Park at 10001 Burleson Road in Austin
- Mansfield Dam Park
- Bob Wentz Park
Del Valle facilities
- Barkley Meadows Park at 4529 South State Highway 130 in Del Valle
- Del Valle Softball Complex at 3614 FM 973 in Del Valle
- Southeast Metropolitan Park at 4511 Highway 71 East in Del Valle
Manor facilities
- East Metropolitan Park at 18706 Blake Manor Road in Manor
- Ben. E. Fisher Park at 600 W. Carrie Manor St. in Manor
Additional facilities
- Webberville Park at 2305 Park Lane in Elgin
- Northeast Metropolitan Park at 15500 Sun Light Near Way in Pflugerville
Richard Moya Park and Bob Wentz Park have both reached their capacity limits on past Easter Sundays.
You can check whether a park is closed because of capacity limits online. Additionally, you can check out the Travis County Parks website for a full list of nearby parks.