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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.

► Our News Page

► Scroll down to view videos about various parks

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Open Call for Food Truck Vendors

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 3, 2024

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is seeking food truck vendors for the two upcoming events listed below. Interested vendors are required to submit their applications for consideration. Vendors will also be assessed and selected based on their food and drink menus. The application deadline for both events is April 3, 2024. For more information, contact Breelynn Castillo at 361-826-3462 or send an email to breelynns@cctexas.com.

TWO EVENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Pachanga in the Park - Application Form
May 5, 2024, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
West Guth Park, 9725 Up River Road

Coastal Comida Fest - Application Form
July 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
The Water's Edge, 602 S. Shoreline Blvd.

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NEW > Corpus Christi Neighborhood Fitness

The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District, Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department, and VF Productions are partnering up to provide FREE fitness classes in your neighborhood. 

Learn more and register here.

► Corpus Christi Neighborhood Fitness at parks (flyer)

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Easter Camping at Labonte Park
March 29–31, 2024

Enjoy Connecting with Nature and Family

It's our pleasure to provide families with an enjoyable experience at this wonderful nature park which is set along the Nueces River to celebrate the holiday. Labonte Park is located at 14333 IH-37 Access Road. ► View the Labonte Park Map with CampsitesRead the news release for more details. The reservation site will open for this event on Thursday, February 15, at 12:00 p.m. and close on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ► Reserve your campsite here.

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Cole Park Playground Temporarily Closed for Improvements

The Cole Park playground, located at 1900 Ocean Drive, has been temporarily closed for improvements beginning Monday, February 19. The playground is scheduled to reopen on May 29, weather permitting.

The project consists of fully demolishing the existing playground unit and surface, installing a new play-for-all multigenerational playground, and multiple enhancements, including upgraded seating, drainage, and ADA accessibility. 

Cole Park will remain open for patrons to enjoy other park amenities such as the pier, plaza, skate park, amphitheater, and walking/bike trail. Read the news release for more details.

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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. 

The department is seeking community input on a proposed master plan for Commodore Park. The community input session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Seashore Middle Academy, located at 15437 S. Padre Island Drive.  

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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 for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service; it 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 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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Restoration of Watergarden Fountains

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

7-19-2023 Project Update: The Watergarden project is currently in the demolition phase of construction. The contractor is 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 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 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 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 ReleaseMAP

NEWS UPDATECouncil 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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men digging

 

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)

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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 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.

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 TrailBrochure 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
 

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

► NEWSCity 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’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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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) 

CONTACT & MORE INFORMATION

Robert Dodd, Director
Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department

Phone: (361) 826-3464

Email: RobertD4@cctexas.com 

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► Parks & Recreation Master Plans 

Parks & Recreation page

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JOIN OUR TEAM 

 

We are always looking for a few good men and women to join our Park Crews. 

NOW HIRING 
► Park Operations Jobs Flyer
► Parks Technician I
► Parks Technician II 
► Parks Technician III
Apply Online Today!
Please check the City Jobs website periodically for updates.

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VENDOR PERMITS


Beach & Park Vendor Permit Applications are accepted year-round. Permits are issued on a seasonal basis and are subject to site availability. Please check back periodically for updates.

Summer Vending Season
     March 1st to September 30th

Winter Vending Season
     October 1st to February 28th