Parks & Development

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for overseeing 2,081 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.

► Our News Page

► Parks Mowing Schedule

► Scroll down to view videos about various parks

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Salinas Park Playground is Now Open!

The Play-for-All Playground at Salinas Park, located at 1354 Airport Road, has reopened for play! It had been closed since July 2024 as improvements were made to restore the soft fall zone surface to the playground for the safety of our visitors, along with improvements to the drainage. The worn and damaged play surface was removed, and a new pour-in-place deck has been installed over the concrete. This inclusive playground unit also features a shade structure to ensure year-round play. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy this wonderful facility!

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Corpus Christi Neighborhood Fitness - Free

The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District (CC-NCPHD), in partnership with the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, has expanded its popular Neighborhood Fitness series, with 10 events scheduled for the coming year. Each event includes free and accessible health and fitness activities, including a run/walk, Zumba, and yoga. 

DATES: November 22, January 11, February 1, March 8, April 12, May 31, June 14, July 12, August 16, September 20

► Click here for more details of Upcoming Events

► View the Corpus Christi Neighborhood Fitness Flyer

► Register here

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NEWS: City Completes 12 Major Parks & Recreation Projects in FY 2024

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department has completed 12 major development projects, contributing to the City’s efforts to inspire community connection and active lifestyles. These projects have established an environment that promotes increased recreation, fitness, and social engagement through innovative state-of-the-art concepts in the design of recreational facilities and park amenities.

Five additional major development projects are projected to be completed by December 2024. 

Read the news release for more details.

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Cole Park Splash Pad & New Playground are Open!

On June 12, the City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department held the completion ceremony of the Cole Park Splash Pad and Playground at 1900 Ocean Drive.

This is the fifth splash pad in Corpus Christi, and the new larger play-for-all playground is ADA-accessible, so more kids and their families can enjoy it.

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The Watergarden is Open!

The City of Corpus Christi - Public Works and Engineering and Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department held the grand reopening of the Corpus Christi Watergarden at 1901 North Shoreline Boulevard on May 1, 2024, with a spectacular visual light display. Read the news release for more details.

Learn more about the Watergarden Fountain project.

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Salinas Park - Access Notice

Please follow the directional signs found along Airport Road from Morgan Avenue to Horne Road, either getting to or exiting Manuel Q. Salinas Park. On March 4, 2024, the City of Corpus Christi broke ground on the Airport Road Construction Project. The project involves transforming the existing four-lane road to a two-lane road to better suit the current traffic volume. It will also include additional enhancements to the road, accessibility, and utilities. The estimated date of completion, weather permitting, is March 2025. 

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Sherwood Dog Park is Open!

We are excited to announce the completion of the highly anticipated Sherwood Dog Park in central Corpus Christi, located at 4314 Sherwood Drive. This $400,000 development project is the city’s newest and third dog park. We invite all dog owners to bring their fur friends to the dog park, where they can run leash-free within the gated facility and play in this special park designed just for them. It offers a small dog section and a large dog section. The dog park features A-frame climbers, a decorative fire hydrant, and a bone-shaped bench for park visitors. Read the news release for more details.

DOG PARK OPERATION HOURS: (Year-Round)
Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday to Sunday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed Mondays for maintenance, except on holidays.

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Corpus Christi Marina Master Plan

The public was invited to provide input for this plan. An online survey was available to share the types of features and amenities the public would like to include in the Corpus Christi Marina Master Plan. The online survey is now closed.

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Commodore Park Master Plan

The public was invited to provide input regarding the features and qualities they desired for the park. Our design team will use this information to create the concept for the parkland. Learn more about this park and how you can provide input. 

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Sherrill Park Master Plan

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

Future project plans include designing a memorial monument for Sherrill Park to honor our Veterans. Additionally, this project will include a pad design 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 ten 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 the 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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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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Packery Channel Restoration Project

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

The Packery Channel opened in 2006 and has provided significant recreational and environmental benefits. It allows 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 newly 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: A 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 a 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)

► North Beach History Plaza, located at 2892 N. Shoreline Blvd., is a free public outdoor educational exhibit dedicated to the history of North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas. Through 16 colorful panels, the story of North Beach is told through images and text. This was a public-private partnership initiative, funded with Local HOT funds and accomplished through a collaboration of the volunteers at North Beach Community Association, the staff of the Science and History Museum, and the members of the Nueces County Historical 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 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, and 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 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 their 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.

► Read more about the Oso Bay Wetlands 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 city's sites. The hike and bike trail runs along 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
 

Corpus Christi offers five splash pads to delight many children. Each facility offers different interactive water features, so check them all out. The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department invites you to come out, get wet, and let the fun begin! All the splash pads are FREE for everyone to enjoy!

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

► Will operate from May 1 through September 3, 2024, due to the current drought conditions.

► 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 of adopting a park will begin thereafter. View the Adopt-A-Park Poster.

View the List of Available Parks for Adoption.

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 can 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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VIDEOS OF FEATURED PARKS & MORE
 

► VIDEO - Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront Saturdays 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. at The Water's Edge (January 27, 2023)

► VIDEO - City Plants over 200 trees in its parks (February 10, 2021)

► VIDEO - Commit To Be Fit with the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department. (March 26, 2019)

► VIDEO - Bayshore Park Development (now formally renamed The Water's Edge)

► RENDERING - Bayshore Park (now formally named The Water's Edge)

► VIDEO - Free in CC - Parker Park (August 14, 2018)

► VIDEO - Free in CC - Walk Along the Bayfront (September 7, 2017)

► VIDEO - Cole Park (August 10, 2017)

► VIDEO - Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge (May 30, 2017)

► VIDEO - Watergarden (May 3, 2017)

► VIDEO - West Guth Park Improvements (March 17, 2017)

► VIDEO - Free in CC - Walk Along North Beach Beachwalk (October 12, 2017)

► VIDEO - Old Bayview Cemetery (June 15, 2017)