Breadcrumbs

Parks & Development

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for overseeing 2,100 acres of developed and undeveloped open spaces (parks, City beaches, natural habitats, etc.) and facilities (recreation centers, pools, gyms, ball fields, senior centers, tennis and golf courses, etc.) to enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

► FY2023 Parks & Recreation Development Projects List

► Scroll down to view videos about various parks

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"Saturday in the Park" on October 7

► Flyer ► Free Event Admission!

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will host its “Saturday in the Park” festival from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with free fun activities at Cole Park Amphitheater, located at 1526 Ocean Drive.

Come and enjoy a variety of live band performances, food trucks, lawn games, and giveaways at this family-friendly event! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this evening at the park.

BAND SCHEDULE:

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Falco & the Wolf
7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Chanklas
8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dreaming in Color

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Solar Eclipse Event on October 13

► Flyer ► Free Admission ► Free Solar Eclipse Glasses

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is excited to host its Solar Eclipse Event on Friday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where everyone can learn about the solar eclipse and pick up their free pair of solar eclipse glasses while supplies last. The event will be held at Cole Park Plaza by the pier, located at 1900 Ocean Drive.

This City event will take place the day before the actual solar eclipse event to prepare everyone to view the display with protection. Food trucks will also be onsite.

According to NASA calculations, Texas is one of a few states in the direct path of the October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse, making Corpus Christi an ideal spot to view this cosmic event! The occurrence is described as a “ring of fire” or burst of light which will appear as the moon passes between the sun and Earth for a spectacular moment in time.

It’s important to know that it is not safe to view a solar eclipse without proper eye protection as it can cause severe and permanent damage to the eyes. To make this viewing experience accessible to Corpus Christi residents and visitors, we will be giving away solar eclipse glasses that are tested, approved, and certified to view a solar eclipse.

Park visitors will be fascinated to learn about the significance of the 2023 Solar Eclipse from the Master Naturalist Corpus Christi Chapter.

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Notable NEWS About Parks & Development Projects, & Current Events

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is constantly on the move to maintain and improve its parks and recreation facilities. Learn about these and other notable current news on the Our News Page.

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Temporary Closure of Bill Witt Park Splash Pad

Starting August 16, this splash pad will be closed for the remainder of the season due to the construction of a new playground unit to be installed adjacent to the splash pad. The new playground unit with a shade structure and a pour-and-play fall zone is estimated to be completed in October 2023, weather permitting.

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Commodore Park Master Plan

The public is invited to provide input regarding what types of features and qualities they desire for the park. This information will be used by our design team to create initial concepts for the parkland. Learn more about this park and how you can provide input.

► Take the online survey now through August 18, 2023.

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Sherrill Park Master Plan

Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park (SVMP) is located on the City’s bayfront adjacent to the Art Center and Marina and is approximately 2.7 Acres. The park is a place of honor and reflection to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service; provides natural beauty and peace for quiet meditation.

Future project plans include the design of a memorial monument for Sherrill Park to honor our Veterans. Additionally, this project will include the design for a pad that will display a donated Bell Helicopter.

► View Sherrill Park Renderings here.

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2022 Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Bill Witt Park Master Plan

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Master Plan will guide the growth and enhancement of the City’s parks, public grounds, open spaces and recreational assets over the next 10 years. Public engagement will play a key role in shaping the outcome of both Master Plans. City residents and other area stakeholders will be involved throughout the planning process to provide input on Master Plan vision, goals, proposed strategies, and the recommendations in the final document.

PARKS & RECREATION OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN:

► 10 Year Parks and Rec Master Plan (PDF file)

NEWS: City Council Adopts New 10-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan (Released 6-28-2022)

Learn more about the Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2022.

BILL WITT PARK MASTER PLAN:

► Bill Witt Park Site Plan 2022 (PDF file)

Learn about the public engagement for the Bill Witt Park Plan (PDF).

NEWS: Council Approves a Construction Contract for a New Aquatics Center (Released 4-11-2023)

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Salinas Park Project Complete

The Salinas Park enhancement project is completed, and the amenities opened for play on July 14, 2023. Project amenities include a new walking trail, lighting, exercise stations, and ADA improvements. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy Salinas Park's new amenities.

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Restoration of Watergarden Fountains

Council approved a construction contract for the Restoration of the SEA District water features – Watergarden. The project is slated to begin construction later this Summer.

7-19-2023 Project Update: The Watergarden project is currently in the demolition phase of construction. The contractor is currently working on the pipe installation and core drilling into the outer fountain.

Learn more about the Watergarden Fountain project.

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North Beach Eco Park

The National Park Service - Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA) awarded the City of Corpus Christi a technical assistance grant to facilitate a planning process focused on the site design for a planned eco and birding park in the northern section of North Beach.

► LEARN MORE about the North Beach Eco Park development project.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Packery Channel Restoration Project!

On January 7, 2022, the City of Corpus Christi hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Packery Channel Restoration Project. The $13.5 million project was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and includes the restoration of the channel’s infrastructure and walkways damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

The Packery Channel opened in 2006 and has provided significant recreational and environmental benefits by allowing easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for boating and constant tidal exchange, improving fishing in the Upper Laguna Madre.

Read the NEWS RELEASE for more details. MAP to Packery Channel Concrete Walkway.

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Cole Park Pier

On December 17, 2021, the new reconstructed pier opened to the public with festivities to celebrate the monumental occasion.

Cole Park Pier has long-been a popular destination for residents and tourists who enjoy fishing, sightseeing or just enjoying the weather. The new Cole Park Pier features significantly improved amenities. Learn more about the Cole Park Pier Rebuild Project (webpage) and the ribbon-cutting event on the News Release. MAP

NEWS UPDATE: Council Approves Cole Park Pier Ordinance Amendment (Released 3-8-2022)

PLEASE NOTE: Fishing license is required at Cole Park Pier per Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife guidelines.

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PARKS

Corpus Christi has 187 parks listed with amenities on its CITY PARKS INTERACTIVE MAP. We have 120 parks throughout our city with playground equipment for families to enjoy. Surveys indicate that parks are very important to residents and visitors—they enrich the quality of life and are a critical factor that impacts our city's economic development.

► City Parks in Corpus Christi Interactive Map (includes list of amenities)

► View the Park Maintenance Levels to learn about our park operations.

► Learn about our Levels of Care for Parks.

► Old Bayview Cemetery - interactive story map
(created by Corpus Christi Landmark Commission)

Local History of Old Bayview Cemetery »

Genealogy Resources for Old Bayview Cemetery »

► Heritage Park - interactive story map (created by Corpus Christi Landmark Commission)

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THE WATER'S EDGE

The Water's Edge is our city's latest scenic bayfront park development located close to downtown along the Corpus Christi Bay in the Sports, Entertainment and Arts (SEA) District. We invite you to explore from Furman Avenue on the south end to Cooper’s Alley on the north end by the marina. It encompasses several parks, along with the city's first dog park, a beach, seawall, pavilion, fitness area, food court, and a lawn to host large events. We invite you to come and fly a kite, explore the playground, ride your bike, relax on the beach, play soccer or basketball...the possibilities are endless! Read more about The Water's Edge.

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OSO BAY WETLANDS PRESERVE & LEARNING CENTER

This is a 162-acre nature preserve that is filled with life. We look forward to sharing the wonders of the natural world with you. We invite families, students, and nature lovers to explore the trails and learn with us or on your own. Visitors will learn about the importance of protecting this area now and for future generations to enjoy. As a student of nature, you will find the preserve's "live classroom" truly fascinating. We invite you to venture into the wild.

► VIDEO - "Not Your Typical Park"
Learn more about the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve. We aren't your typical park or your typical preserve.

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MANUEL Q. SALINAS PARK

This 93-acre regional sports complex is located at 1354 Airport Road. It offers unique features where all children with or without mental and/or physical disabilities regardless of his or her experience, or level of ability can play — park features like the shaded state-of-the-art Play-For-All Playground, and the Miracle League Field. Additional amenities include fields for Baseball, Softball and Soccer, along with a Basketball Court, Pavilion, Splash Pad, Picnic Area with Grill, Restrooms, and a Hike and Bike Trail. We invite everyone to come out, play and experience this wonderful park.

► VIDEO - Salinas Park Play-for-All Playground Phases 2 & 3 (April 16, 2019)

► VIDEO - Play-for-All Playground at Salinas Park Grand Opening Celebration of Playground Phase 1 on February 4, 2017

► NEWS: Play-for-All Playground Earns National Award (December 28, 2018)

► Link to The Miracle League of Corpus Christi website.

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BIKE & HIKE TRAILS

Learn about the trails - Article

► Corpus Christi Bay Hike & Bike Trail - Brochure with Map - Video (8 miles; connects with 8 parks)

► Schanen Hike & Bike Trail - Sitemap - Location Adjacent to 5930 O'Toole Drive (connects with 5 parks)

► Bear Creek Hike & Bike Trail - Sitemap - Location Adjacent to 6733 Bison Drive (connects with 2 parks)

► Corpus Christi BeachWalk l access by Surfside Blvd. (on North Beach; 8 miles; connects with 2 parks)

FEATURED VIDEOS ABOUT OUR TRAILS:

VIDEO - Corpus Christi Hike & Bike Trails - features Corpus Christi Bay Hike & Bike Trail, Corpus Christi BeachWalk, Schanen Hike & Bike Trail, Bear Creek Hike & Bike Trail, Salinas Park Hike & Bike Trail Loop, Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge Nature Walking Trails and West Guth Park Hike & Bike Trail (video by City of Corpus Christi; November 18, 2021)

VIDEO - Hike & Bike Trails in Corpus Christi - features Bear Creek Hike & Bike Trail, Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve walking trail and Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge (video by Corpus Christi CVB and KIII-TV3; January 20, 2017)

VIDEO - Free in CC - Hike & Bike Trails - features Schanen Hike & Bike Trail, Bear Creek Hike & Bike Trail, and the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve walking trail (November 21, 2017)

VIDEO - Corpus Christi Bay Trail - an excellent way for residents and visitors to stay in shape and take in the sites of the city. The hike and bike trail runs along the Corpus Christi Bay and several parks with scenic views and various amenities. (video by City of Corpus Christi; September 20, 2018)

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NATURE PARKS

(Bikes are NOT allowed on nature trails)

► Blucher Park - Sitemap - Location - Information - About the Birds (Recognized Birding Site)

► Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge - Location - Information (Birding Site)

► Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center - Sitemap - Location - Information (Birding Site)

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SPLASH PADS

Three splash pads popped up throughout Corpus Christi during May and June 2020 to the thrill of children and their parents! Each facility offers different interactive water features, so check them all out. All the splash pads are FREE for everyone to enjoy! The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department invites you to come out, get wet, and let the fun begin!

► Splash Pads are located at Lindale Park, Salinas Park, Bill Witt Park, and West Guth Park.

► Operate from May to October.

► Learn more about our Splash Pads

► NEWS: City Splash Pads and Interactive Fountain are Safe for the Public (Released 9-28-2021)

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ADOPT-A-PARK

This program is a meaningful way for businesses, groups, and volunteers to showcase their commitment to the community. We hope you will join our efforts. The first step to adopting a park is to submit an Adopt-A-Park application form. Once you have selected a park and completed the application, submit a copy to Lisa Oliver at LisaO@cctexas.com, and the process towards adopting a park will begin thereafter. View the Adopt-A-Park Poster.

VIDEO - Parks and Recreation accepting Adopt-a-Park volunteers (February 12, 2019)

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COMMEMORATIVE TREE & BENCH PROGRAM

Individuals, families, or organizations can honor someone special in a loving and thoughtful way through our Commemorative Tree & Bench Program. With this program, you’ll have the opportunity to donate tree or bench memorials to celebrate a loved one within our beautiful parks. Learn more: Commemorative Tree & Bench Program brochure and Program request form.

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