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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Easter Camping at Labonte Park
April 7–9, 2023

► Don't Wait...Reserve Your Campsite Early
► Enjoy Connecting with Nature and Family

We invite you and your family and friends to camp at this wonderful nature park set along the Nueces River to celebrate the Easter holiday from April 7 to 9. Labonte Park is located at 14333 IH-37 Access Road. The Reservation Period will run from February 24 until 12 p.m. on April 6.  ► Labonte Park event map with campsites. ► Reserve your camping spot early! 

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Voter-Approved Bond 2022

Corpus Christi residents have voted to approve the $125 million Bond 2022 Program which includes 32 projects to invest in City Streets, Parks, Public Safety, and Libraries. The 32 Bond projects include $92.5 million in Street improvements, $20 million in Park improvements, $2.5 million in Library improvements, and $10 million for Public Safety projects. Visit Bond 2022 Program to view the full list of approved projects.

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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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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. 

► 10 Year Parks and Rec Master Plan (PDF)

► NEWS: City Council Adopts New 10-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan (Released 6-28-22)

► LEARN MORE about the Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2022.

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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  PHOTO GALLERY of Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

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

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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 thee 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.

► Read more about the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve. 

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MANUAL 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, and Bill Witt 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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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)