UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 6:

AUSTIN, Texas – Park amenities in Austin and Travis County will remain closed following the July 4 holiday weekend.

The parks were closed for the weekend to try and prevent crowds from gathering and help slow down the growing coronavirus case numbers in the region.

While some parks are technically reopened, amenities like cultural facilities, pools, golf courses, tennis facilities, and park concessions among others will stay closed. Bathrooms and water fountains will stay open, however.

Deep Eddy and Barton Springs Pools will stay closed while the city says they are undergoing an evaluation by Austin Public Health.

You can learn more about the closure orders by clicking here.

ORIGINAL STORY: 

AUSTIN, Texas — If you were planning an outing to any of the Austin or Travis County parks to celebrate Fourth of July weekend, you’re out of luck.  

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the City of Austin will close all parks and recreational facilities from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. All pre-paid park admission passes will be credited to the park patron’s account or refunded. All Travis County Parks will close Thursday July 2, at 8 p.m. and re-open on Tuesday, July 7, at 8 a.m.

Effective Tuesday, June 30, Barton Springs and Deep Eddy pools are temporarily closed. Austin Public Health has recommended the closure of Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool until further notice and will evaulate both facilities. Existing pool reservations will be cancelled. Chlorinated pool facilities will continue to operate according to their posted schedules.

Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has recommended all local governments cancel publicly sponsored events and close public spaces in advance of the Fourth of July weekend in order to discourage social gatherings and therefore discourage the spread of COVID-19. 

The county said if the threat of COVID-19 continues to rise, the park system may remain closed beyond July 7.