Coastal Bend Parks & Playgrounds Guide

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One of the biggest benefits of being part of the Coastal Bend Mom Collective, for me, is the push to be outdoors and to explore not only where I live, but ALL around the Coastal Bend.

Coastal Bend Area Parks and Playgrounds Guide

We like to thank our friends over at Next 2 Natural Turf for sponsoring this guide. For all the times when you can’t get out and want to hang out in your own yard, check out Next 2 Natural Turf for your home play area. Nothing is more important than the safety of your children and helping to create a safe play environment for them is their primary concern at Next 2 Natural. Once you’ve selected the ideal play set, it’s time to consider the surface beneath. You want something durable but comfortable for walking and running and you want something that can help reduce injuries. This is why you want to consider artificial turf for your children’s play area. Check it out here or give them a call at 361-300-4671.

Next 2 Natural TurfOne of the most asked questions I see in our Community Group is “where can I take my kids to play”.  I have tried to put together the most comprehensive guide to parks ALL over the Coastal Bend in the hopes that it inspires you to take a drive to a neighboring town to play, invite your friends to have a playdate somewhere new, or just simply unplug and spend time outdoors as a family.

Buena Vista – South Texas Blvd. Basketball court, playground, benches, and little league field across lattas creek

Charles Brazzell – Martin Luther Kings Jr. Blvd. Playground equipment, bench

Craig West –  Craig St. Picnic tables, playground equipment, baseball backstop, and soccer goals

Fourth / Fifth St. – East Fourth and Fifth St. Playground equipment and benches

Gilbreath– South Reynolds Youth baseball/softball practice fields

Heldt– East Main St. New Stage for public performances, LED lighting, picnic table, Benches, and walkway

Lake Findley– North Texas Blvd. Pier, covered picnic tables, pavilion, nature trail, and baseball backstops

Multi-Use Complex– 723 FM 1554 Water park, indoor pool, conference rooms, party room, benches, picnic tables, food truck area, concert area

Municipal Golf Course– North Texas Blvd. 18-hole course, clubhouse, restaurant, pavilion, ponds

P.S. Anderson– North Texas Blvd. Pavilion, paved walking trail, picnic tables, BBQ pits, playground equipment, restrooms, water fountains, softball, and baseball fields

Veterans Plaza-South Reynolds Gazebo, benches, walkways, playground equipment, BBQ pits, and picnic tables, restrooms

West -Langford Picnic tables, playground equipment, ball fields

Aquatic Center- 700 E. Johnson

All hours are weather permitting. Please call us or visit our Facebook page for daily weather updates, occupancy status, or pool closures.

Community Park-East Johnson Avenue

Baseball / Softball Diamond
kayak launch
Parking
Pavilion (optional)
Picnic Shelters
Playground
Restrooms
Trails

Conn Brown HarborPoint Park

Boat Ramps
Fish Cleaning Tables
Fishing
Fishing Pier
Picnic Shelters
Restrooms

Newbury Park -100-198 South Lamont Street

Shaded picnic area.

Veterans Memorial Park-North McCampbell Street, West Maddox Avenue

Playground, shaded area.

Artesian Park – 524 Twigg St.

First City Park in 1854; Historical Marker

Bayfront Park -1509 Shoreline Blvd.

Fountain, Walking Trail, Located in Science, Entertainment, and Arts District along Corpus Christi Bay.

Bill Witt Park Splash Pad- 6869 Yorktown Boulevard

The splash pad, which opened on June 29, 2020, is the latest feature to burst onto the scene at this southside park, and it’s thrilling the kids!

Bill Witt Park is a sports and recreation-focused regional park that has long been a favorite of sports enthusiasts and families, serving as the venue for countless little league and soccer games. Many fond memories are tied to this beloved park. The park also features a playground, backstop, as well as a hike, and bike trail. Come out and enjoy everything this park has to offer!

Billish Park – 15601 Gypsy St.

Community Gardens

Blucher Park – 209 N. Carrizo St.

Recognized Birding Site; Nature Trails

Cole Park – 1900 Ocean Dr.

Large Regional Park; Playground; Amphitheater; Skate Park; Hike & Bike Trail; Pier is Closed; located along Corpus Christi Bay

Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge – 909 Ennis Joslin Rd.

Birding Site; Nature Trail; No bikes allowed on trails; Boardwalk

Hector P. Garcia Park – 4305 Greenwood Dr.

Playground; Pool; Hike & Bike Trail

La Retama Park – 501 Mesquite St.

Downtown Arts & Culture Site; Home to ArtWalk

Labonte Park -14333 IH-37 Access Rd.

Located along Nueces River; Camping Site

Lakeview Park – 2098 Rodd Field Rd.

Duck Pond; Playground

Lamar Park – 4231 Santa Fe St.

Disc Golf

Lindale Park Splash Pad- 3133 Swantner Drive

On May 23, 2020, the splash pad opened at Lindale Park to joyful reception of kids enjoying the water spray from the various water features. This neighborhood park also includes a playground, picnic table, shade structure, grill, basketball court, and a community garden.

Manuel Q. Salinas Park – 1354 Airport Rd.

Play-For-All Playground; Miracle League Field; Baseball; Soccer; Basketball Court; Pavilion; Splash Pad; Trail

McCaughan Park – 402 S. Shoreline Boulevard

at The Water’s Edge; Playground; Pavilion; Dog Park, Fitness Area

Old City Hall Park  304 S. Shoreline Boulevard

at The Water’s Edge

Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center- 2446 N. Oso Parkway

The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center serves to enhance community understanding of the need to preserve the natural resources of coastal ecosystems for future generations through access and education.

This 162-acre nature preserve is filled with the wonders of our natural world. We invite everyone to explore the two miles of nature viewing trails and walk away with a new-found experience and understanding. The Learning Center is open to visitors. Come and learn about the importance of protecting the wetlands for future generations to enjoy. As a student of nature, you will find the preserve’s “live classroom” truly fascinating. Along with a Heart Your Park and Pollinator Playscape.

The preserve is owned and operated by the City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department.

Salinas Park Splash Pad – 1354 Airport Road

On June 5, 2020, this splash pad was the latest amenity to be added to this sports and recreation-focused westside regional park. While at the Manuel Q. Salinas Park, we invite you to also check out our award-winning Play-For-All Playground; Miracle League Field, baseball, soccer, backstop, pavilion, restrooms, shade structure, picnic tables, and a walking trail.

Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park -222 S. Shoreline Dr.

Historical Marker; Site of Military Celebrations at The Water’s Edge

St. Andrews Park – 5902 St. Andrews Dr.

Tennis Courts; Trail; Playground

West Guth Park -9725 Up River Rd.

Large Regional Park; Pool, Playground, Pavilion, Hike & Bike Trail; Disc Golf

HIKE & BIKE TRAILS

Corpus Christi Bay Hike & Bike Trail (8 miles; connects with 8 parks)

Schanen Hike & Bike Trail Adjacent to 5930 O’Toole Drive (connects with 5 parks)

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

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

POOLS

Collier Pool* l 3801 Harris Dr. l (361) 826-1720 l (Big Bucket Dunk; Fountain Features; Lanes for Lap Swim)

Corpus Christi Natatorium* l 3202 Cabaniss Pkwy. l (361) 826-1728 l (Olympic-Style Pool)

Greenwood Pool l 4305 Greenwood Dr. l (361) 826-1729

H-E-B Pool l 1520 Shely St. l (361) 826-1724 l (Splash Water Features; Cabanas; Concession Area)

Oso Pool l 1109 Bernice Dr. l (361) 826-1727 l (Lanes for Lap Swim)

West Guth Pool l 9705 Up River Rd. l (361) 826-1723 l (Splash Water Features)

Parker Pool |654 Graham Road 78418 | (pool and concession stand)

*Year-round pool

Splash Pads

All CC Splash Pads operate May-October

Find more park info from the City of Corpus Christi here.

Fort Fun Children’s Park at Fannin Plaza-160 S Market St South Market & Franklin St

This is a nice tree-covered park one block North of Goliad Town Square. A children’s playground is located on the Eastside.

Dick Kleberg Park -501 Santiago Park Lane

Los Hermanos Flores Park- E Santa Gertrudis st. 

The Splash Pad at Flores Park is closed.

Community Park- 700 Clark Pkwy

The Community Park has three baseball fields for High School, Little League, and T-Ball. Public restrooms and a concession stand are centrally located at the ball fields. A basketball court, disc golf course, and chipping green provide a variety of activities for park visitors.

The Community Park includes a 1.1-mile walking/jogging trail that meanders through the flats and ends at a large pavilion overlooking the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. Visitors can take the shorter .46 mile path that circles the baseball fields.

Roberts Point Park- 301 J C Barr Blvd

Roberts Point Park in Port Aransas is home to waterfront family fun. Built through volunteer efforts and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation grant, this 50-acre park is located on a peninsula of land that juts into the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and forms a safe harbor for the municipal marina that has 250 boat slips for permanent and transient vessels.

The park is visible as visitors ride the ferryboats from the mainland to Mustang Island and folks may drive, bike, walk or take the free local B-Bus to the park from stops along a 1-hour loop that runs through Port Aransas. A picnic pavilion offers shaded picnic tables adjacent to shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, bocci court, basketball court, sand volleyball, soccer field, and playground equipment.

Roberts Point Park is the host site for activities and events throughout the year in this South Texas tourist destination.

Port Aransas Community Pool- 700 Clark Pkwy

The Community Swimming Pool invites passersby to jump in and cool off. The year-round pool is ADA-compliant with a zero-depth entry area and heated during the winter months.

There is no shortage of programs as the pool offers deep and shallow water aerobics classes, youth and adult swim lessons, swim team, lap swim, open swim, and rentals for pool or birthday parties. A pavilion area next to the pool contains picnic tables for those who want to relax and enjoy a snack in the shade. For our sunbathers, lounge chairs and benches surround the pool.

Port Aransas Nature Preserve- Port St

The Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is open with limited access.

Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond

The Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond is located behind Restaurant San Juan. Paradise Pond is currently undergoing restoration. Invasive Brazilian pepper trees have been removed and new native trees and shrubs are being planted. We ask for your patience and understanding as we help restore this site.

There is a sitting area at the entrance for watching butterflies, dragonflies, and birds, along with information about the flowers and the butterflies that the flowers attract.

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Located down the street from the Community Park at 1356 Ross Avenue next to the Nueces County Water Treatment Facility. This site offers a native pollinator garden and large trees in the front area and a new 700-foot long boardwalk over the freshwater wetlands in the back.

Wetland Park

Built by the Texas Department of Transportation and deeded to the City of Port Aransas, the SH 361 Wetland Park is about one-half mile south of Avenue G, across the street from the US Post Office. It, too, has a raised, wheelchair-accessible, boardwalk that leads to a gazebo overlooking the tidal flats, home to many wading and shorebirds.

Beach Parking Permit Information

Bayside Park- 108 Sabine

This park has 3.79 acres, Picnic areas / covered shelters, playgrounds, Water recreation, and Dunes to climb.

Briar Bluff Park- 1530 Briar

This park has 2.25 acres, picnic areas, covered shelters, and a Playground.

Chatwork Park- 2340 Memorial Pkwy

This park has 4 acres, Picnic areas / covered shelters, playgrounds, and practice sports fields.

East Cliff Park- 301 Georgia

This park has 3.24 acres, picnic areas / covered shelters, playgrounds, and tennis courts.

Joe Burke Pavilion- 2003 Billy G. Webb Drive

This is an outdoor pavilion, adjacent to the Portland aquatic center, soccer fields, walking path, and playground.

Kaiah Dog Park- 1001 Moore Avenue

This dog park has a large dog park, a small dog park, Covered shelters with picnic tables, and a Dog drinking fountain.

Moser Park- 411 Seco

This park has 3.5 acres, picnic areas / covered shelters, playgrounds, and practice sports fields.

Municipal Park- 1815 Memorial Pkwy

This park has 21.34 acres, a Splash Pad, Baseball and softball fields, Basketball court, Picnic areas / covered shelters/grills, Playground, Track, Concession stand, and Restrooms.

Oakridge Park- 2233 Memorial Pkwy

This park has 3.5 acres, Picnic areas / covered shelters, Playground, and Practice sports fields.

Portland Aquatic Center- 2002 Billy G. Webb Drive

This is a Recreation Pool, Competition Pool, with a Snack Shack. Check the website for dates and times of operation here.

Simpson Park- 1101 Broadway

This park has 10.35 acres, Picnic areas / covered shelters, Playground, Practice sports fields, Born Learning Trail, and Fitness station.

Sports Complex- 721 Buddy Ganem Drive

This complex has Softball Fields, Soccer Fields, a Football Field, All-Purpose Sports Field, Playground, Splash Pad, Concession Stand, and restrooms.

Sunset Lake Park- 201 Sunset Dr.

This trail in portland has 333.15 acres, Birding, Trails, and Water recreation.

Twin Fountains Park- 2205 Matagorda

This park has 3.61 acres, Picnic areas / covered shelters, Playground, and Practice sports fields.

Violet Andrews Parks- 305 Wildcat Drive

This park has 10 acres, Birding, Picnic areas / covered shelters, Trails, Water recreation, and a playground.

Willacy Park- 131 Daniel Moore

This park has 1.86 acres, Picnic areas / covered shelters, and a Playground.

Community Aquatic & Skate Park – 2001 Stadium Drive

Offers a multi-purpose, heated competition pool and a recreational pool with slides and sprays and is open year-round. The park houses an 8-lane, heated, 25-yard pool and diving area, a whale-shaped zero-depth children’s pool with slides and sprays, and a bathhouse.

Adjacent to the Aquatic Park is a Skate Park, picnic area and playground, and two nature trails. The facility is collectively funded by the City of Rockport, Town of Fulton, and Aransas County.  It is managed by the City of Rockport. For more information and hours of operation, please call 361-727-9989.

The Skate Park, which is adjacent to the Aquatic Park, boasts a 6,000-square-foot modular facility. One must be 10 years of age or older to utilize the park.

Memorial Park – 1601 FM 2165 (Pearl St)

This park is the center of the park system that includes both activity centers and natural habitat conservation.  Consisting of more than 100 acres, the Park includes 1.65 miles of Hike and Bike trails and a 3/4 mile Nature trail with interpretive signs, and rest benches. Soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, off-leash Dog Park, playscapes and fitness stations, birding sites, and picnic facilities to serve a wide variety of interests throughout the year. View a map of park (PDF).

Dog Park – 1601 FM 2165 (Pearl St) in Memorial Park

Rockport has almost two acres of land devoted to a fenced, off-leash dog park, which is located at Memorial Park. There are two separate areas, for large and small dogs; water, disposal stations, training props, and benches.

Tule Hike and Bike Trail – 2429 HWY 35 N (Enter at North entrance to Walmart)

This trail is open from sunrise to sunset and is just over 1 mile (1.08 mi.) starting at the trailhead at the north entrance of Walmart (turn right into the parking area in front of the gazebo) and connects via Enterprise Blvd. to the Memorial Park trail system.

Compass Rose Park – 811 HWY 35 N

(formerly known as Triangle Park) is an ornament park with a view of Little Bay.  Containing a gazebo and a registered labyrinth.

Zachary Taylor Arboretum Park – 702 S. Pearl St.

An ornamental arboretum park due to the 10 distinctive tree species located within the park. The trees, identified by informational signage, include Anaqua, Crape-Myrtle, Desert Willow, Hackberry, Lacebark Elm, Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, Sycamore, Texas Persimmon, and White Mulberry. Additionally, Zachary Taylor Arboretum Park is the home of a historic live oak tree estimated to be 400 to 600 years old. It is said to have provided a shaded campsite for American Army Troops commanded by General Zachary Taylor in July 1845 prior to the beginning of the Mexican-American War in 1846. Troops of the Third Infantry included 2nd Lt. Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, William Sherman, and Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson.

Mathis Park – 801 S. Live Oak St.

This is a neighborhood park containing a basketball court, swings, and a picnic site.

Bent Oaks Rookery Park – 1902 E. Maple St.

This park is an 8.856-acre piece of land located across from Little Bay, bordered by Broadway, Business Highway 35, and Maple Street was purchased by the city in January 2016 for $2.995 million using tax and revenue certificates of obligation.  A 14-space parking lot was installed about one month before Hurricane Harvey. The nearly nine-acre piece of property includes large windswept oaks and an active, federally protected Great Blue Heron and Great Egret rookery. The city bought the property to preserve the trees and rookery.

Spencer Park – 400 E. Bay St.

This is a neighborhood park containing a basketball court, picnic facilities, and the Spaceball.  The Spaceball is designed and manufactured in Germany by the internationally recognized Berliner Seilfabrik. The net structure offers hours of fun and adventure on several levels – climbing, rocking, hand-over-hand climbing, and swinging up, down, horizontally, and vertically.  Approximately 16 nets in different geometrical shapes and sizes, inside a supporting framework, form the planets in the spatial net universe.

Magnolia Park – 906 N. Live Oak St.

This is a neighborhood park with an open field.  It is also the site of the Scout Hut used by local scout groups.

Tule Park – 2105 Picton Lane

This is an open space park containing two baseball backstops.

Pride Park – 498 E. Liberty St.

This is an ornamental park containing 3 special wind features; Kinetic DNA, Jellyfish, and Trancer along with a beautiful garden.

Wetland Pond/Demo Garden – HWY 35 N (Across from Walmart)

(Tule East) Great Texas Birding Trail Location. This 5-acre site is located on Highway Bus 35 North, across the street from Walmart. You will notice a roadside park with shady parking. Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk. Follow the trail beside the demonstration garden to the pond in the back of the property.

Water Street Hike & Bike Trail – Water Street

This is a paved pedestrian lane paralleling Aransas Bay lined with pet stations.

Rockport Beach-  210 Seabreeze Drive

The hours of operation are 6 am to 11 pm Sunday thru Thursday and 6 am to 12 am on Friday and Saturday. Parking costs for the Rockport Beach are $5/Daily and $20/Yearly. With a playground and picnic areas. NOTE: Dogs/pets & glass containers are not allowed on Rockport Beach.

Boulevard Park- 2204 Rose Street

Boulevard Park is a small neighborhood park located off Houston Highway. Among the amenities are children’s play equipment and a basketball court, which are easily accessible to the surrounding neighborhood.

Brownson Park- 202 N Laurent

The facilities available are play equipment, basketball goals, and several picnic tables.

DeLeon Plaza Pavilion- 101 N Main Street

Gazebo, Park Benches, Six Flags Monument

Ethel Lee Tracy Park Pavilion- 1507 Placido Benavides Dr

10 Picnic Shelters – with BBQ Pits
2 Sand Volleyball Courts
6 Basketball Goals
9 hole Disc Golf
Amphitheater
Children’s Playground
Fishing Lake
Horseshoe Pits
Pavilion with electricity and BBQ Pit
Restrooms
Splashpad
Tennis Courts

Green Belt Park- E Mockingbird Lane and Vicksburg Street

Greenbelt Park is situated in the Shenandoah Subdivision, which has an abundance of open space and trees for all to enjoy. This park has been used as an open space for area residents.

Hopkins Park- 505 S Laurent

Children’s Playground
Pavilion
Restrooms
BBQ Pit
One full Basketball Court
Picnic Tables

Lone Tree Creek Splash Pad *COVID Restrictions Max Capacity 135 People*- 4009 E Airline

Covered Tables
Restrooms

Martin Luther King, Jr. Park- 3808 Callis

Basketball Court
BBQ Pit
Children’s Playground
Pavilion

Meadowlane Park- 3202 Meadowlane

Located in the Meadowview Addition, Meadowlane Park’s recreational facilities include children’s play equipment, two basketball courts, and several picnic tables.

Memorial Park- 402 N DeLeon Street

Aside from the fact the Memorial Square holds the dust of many old Victoria pioneers, it is hallowed for another reason, within its present bounds were laid the remains of many of the brave soldiers of the Texas Ware for Independence of 1836 and 1837.

Pine Street Community Park- 802 E Pine Street

This park offers a children’s play unit, swing set, tire swing, basketball court, backstops and picnic tables.

Queen City Park- 2202 N Cameron Street

Queen City is one of Victoria’s oldest Parks. Recreational facilities at the Queen City play lot include playground equipment and several lighted picnic areas.

RIVERSIDE PARK

Riverside Park, 660 acres of woodland, is bordered by four and one-half miles of the Guadalupe River. Two hundred picnic areas are provided with tables, Bar-B-Que pits, and benches. Several of these areas are set aside for group outings.

Ted B. Reed Park- 2101 Salem Road

0.30 miles or 1,575 foot Walking Trail
2 Drinking Fountains
6 Tables/Seats Approximately 36
7 Lighted Covered Picnic Tables (1st come 1st serve)
BBQ Pits at Covered Tables
Benches
Bicycle Rack
Children’s Playground
Concrete Parking Lot with 28 Parking Spaces
Hand Ball Courts
Large BBQ Pit at Pavilion
Lighted Pavilion
Lighting Throughout Park
Restrooms
Single Goal Basketball Court

Will Rogers Park- 1108 E Warren Avenue

This facility includes children’s play equipment, backstops, and open play areas.

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Jennifer
Jennifer is a Coastal Bend Native, born and raised in Ingleside. She began contributing to the Corpus Christi Moms Blog in 2018 and stepped up as the Community Engagement Coordinator in 2019. She is happiest when she is crafting, writing, or doing anything artistic. She loves music, especially ANYTHING from the 90's, and is often seen dancing around the kitchen to Nsync while cooking dinner. She is married to Derik and has two kids, Connor and Keeley (pronounced Key-Lee). Jennifer still feels like a novice when it comes to parenting and enjoys letting other moms know they are not doing life alone. She also admits she watches copious amounts of Netflix, but balances that out by reading to and with her kiddos as much as possible each day.

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