Updated 08/09/2021
Travis County Parks (TCP) will manage its park system based on local orders and the Austin Public Health (APH) 5 stage risk-based guidelines which provides recommendations for the community to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the guidelines, TCP will determine best management practices for the park system, taking into consideration the need for adequate staffing levels and park visitor compliance with state and local directives.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Park Management Plan
PARK AMENITY/SERVICE | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
Athletic Fields (Adult) | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity | Limited capacity |
Athletic Fields (Youth) | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity | Limited capacity |
Basketball Courts | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Shelters | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity | Limited capacity |
Enclosed Pavilions | Open | Open | Limited capacity | Closed | Closed |
Drinking Fountains | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Outdoor Exercise Stations | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
EM Pool | Open if feasible | Open if feasible | Open if feasible | Open if feasible | Limited capacity |
Picnic tables/BBQ Pits | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Playgrounds | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Restrooms | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Skate Park | Open | Open | Open | Used monitored | Used monitored |
Splash Pad | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Tennis Courts | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Trails | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open |
Sand Volleyball Courts | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Boat Ramps | Open | Open | Open | Open (some may remain closed) | Open |
Improved Camping | Open | Open | Open | Open (by reservation only) | Max capacity of 8 per site of members from the same household only |
Primitive Camping | Open | Open | Open | Open (by reservation only) | Max capacity of 8 per site of members from the same household only |
Fishing Ponds | Open | Open | Open | Open | Open |
Fishing Piers | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Rock Climbing | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Mountain Biking | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
Disc Golf | Open | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity |
BMX Track | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity | Limited capacity |
Special Events | Open | Open | Open | Limited capacity | Limited capacity |
- All Parks open.
- Follow local and state orders.
- Additional disinfection of high touch surfaces.
- All Parks open.
- Social distancing and masks recommended.
- Follow local and state orders.
- Additional disinfection of high touch surfaces.
- All Parks open.
- Social distancing and masks recommended.
- Follow local and state orders.
- Additional disinfection of high touch surfaces.
Shelter reservations group size
- Small Shelter – 30 (normal capacity 30)
- Large Shelter – 50 (normal capacity 50)
- X-Large Shelter – 100 (normal capacity 100)
- Mansfield Dam Enclosed Pavilion – 30 (normal capacity 30)
- Bob Wentz Enclosed Pavilion – 20 (normal capacity 20)
- East Metro Enclosed Pavilion – 100 (normal capacity 200)
- Most parks open. Some facilities may have limited capacity or reduced operations.
- Additional disinfection of high touch surfaces.
- Limited Office Operations
- Enclosed Pavilions closed
Athletic Fields
- Spectators should be kept to a minimum, and must follow current state social gathering limits and physical distancing guidelines.
- When maintaining 6 feet of separation is not feasible, other methods are recommended to be utilized to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a face covering or mask, washing or sanitizing hand frequently, and avoiding sharing equipment or other common objects.
- No spitting. No sunflower seeds, peanuts, etc
- No game high-fives or handshakes.
- Teams clean game equipment every 30 minutes or more.
- No sharing equipment
- Organizer is responsible for bringing their own supplies such as hand sanitizer
Central Texas BMX COVID-19 Operation Plan
- Updated plan
Skate Park (may be closed or have limited capacity.)
- Staff monitoring physical distancing. Skate Park will close if park visitors do not adhere to park guidelines.
- Social distancing encouraged. Stay at least six feet (two meters) from others. Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet (two meters) from others. – Participants and Spectators must follow current state social gathering limits and physical distancing guidelines. When maintaining 6 feet of separation is not feasible, other methods should be utilized to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a face covering or mask, washing or sanitizing hand frequently, and avoiding sharing common objects.
- Installing signage clearly documenting allowable behaviors on site (staying home when ill, proper hygiene, physical distancing, etc).
Shelter reservations group size
- Capacity may be limited
- Small Shelter – 30 (normal capacity 30)
- Large Shelter – 50 (normal capacity 50)
- X-Large Shelter – 100 (normal capacity 100)
- Mansfield Dam Enclosed Pavilion – closed
- Bob Wentz Enclosed Pavilion – closed
- East Metro Enclosed Pavilion – closed
Special Events – reviewed on case by case basis
- The level of transmission in the community and in areas from which people will travel.
- The overall number of attendees.
- The population served and number of people attending who may be high-risk.
- The density of attendees in a confined area and the area where event would occur (e.g. outdoor vs. indoor).
- The feasibility in limiting the number of people attending.
- The ability to make modifications to the event that support adherence to physical distancing.
- The supplies needed to protect event attendees and staff.
- The level of community awareness and education about the additional public health and safety measures in place.
- The likelihood of attendees following public health and safety measures and the ability to monitor and enforce measures.
- Infection rates in the community will be closely monitored and access to parks and their amenities may be reduced or closed completely. Upcoming events or future reservations may be cancelled or modified.
- Limited Office Operations. Contact through phone and email.
- Social distancing and masks recommended for all visitors.
- Additional disinfection of high touch surfaces.
- Enclosed pavilions closed
Athletic Fields
- Spectators should be kept to a minimum, and must follow current state social gathering limits and physical distancing guidelines.
- When maintaining 6 feet of separation is not feasible, other methods are recommended to be utilized to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a face covering or mask, washing or sanitizing hand frequently, and avoiding sharing equipment or other common objects.
- No congregating in parking lot after games
- No spitting. No sunflower seeds, peanuts, etc
- No game high-fives or handshakes.
- Teams clean game equipment every 30 minutes or more.
- No sharing equipment
- Organizer is responsible for bringing their own supplies such as hand sanitizer
Land Management Program
- Prescribed Burns scheduled with additional guidelines
Individual Expectations
- Individuals will not report to a project if they show any symptoms of Covid-19.
- Individuals should take their temperature prior to reporting to a project (100.4 is considered a fever).
- Individuals will report with the appropriate face coverings (natural fiber recommended).
- Individuals will report with individual hand sanitizing material.
- Individuals will maintain social distancing at all times within and between crews.
- Individuals will arrive with all water and sports drinks IN THEIR PACK that they will need for the operational period. Rigs will have an emergency supply of liquids only.
Organizational Expectations
- Equipment will be sanitized prior to the project. This includes rolling stock (steering wheel, locks, nozzles etc.), radios, and cellphones.
- Equipment assignments will be made prior to the project.
- Whenever possible individuals will be assigned to the equipment they take to the project
(Module of One concept will be maintained throughout operation). - Whenever possible, the initial equipment assignment will be carried throughout the project.
- Crews will not be rotated between equipment, unless there is an emergency need.
- Additional equipment, specifically trucks, will be needed to support shuttling crews to the projects and to support ignition crews.
- Staging locations will need to be large enough to accommodate greater distancing. A truck length should be maintained between all vehicles.
- Briefings will occur only in fully ventilated areas.
- Vehicle operators will be required to exit vehicles for any field briefings (to maintain social distancing due to engine noise).
- Briefings may be limited to one contact per resource/crew. It will be the POC’s responsibility to brief their resource.
- Hand tools, drip torches and other equipment will not be shared.
- Shared equipment such as portable pumps and drip torch cans will require sanitization during the operation.
- Gates and combination locks will require sanitization during the operation.
- Additional drinking water supplies will need to be ordered. Shared water resources will be avoided.
- A designated EMT with the appropriate Covid 19 protective gear is recommended.
- Standards will be evaluated in AAR and any proposed changes communicated to CTXRX Council.
MISSION: To foster cooperation among all parties with an interest or stake in prescribed fire for the purpose of promoting, conserving, and expanding the responsible use of fire as a land management tool. https://www.centexrxfire.org/
Other
- Non-essential fireline staff will not be allowed on the line-media etc.
Improved Camping
- Maximum of 8 individuals per site from within the same household
- Some sites may be closed
Hamilton Pool
- Reservations may be limited
Central Texas BMX COVID-19 Operation Plan
- Updated plan
Tennis Courts

Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts
- Clear signage posted outlining use and enforcement.
- Allow for physical distancing and monitoring of distancing requirements.
- Support single and individual use activities.
- Limit equipment sharing outside of the same household.
Playgrounds and Outdoor Exercise Equipment
- Provide Signage
- High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings cleaned daily.
Splash Pad
- Installing signage clearly documenting allowable behaviors on site (staying home when ill, proper hygiene, physical distancing, etc).
- High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings cleaned frequently.
Swimming Pool – Open if feasible (Adequate lifeguard staff)
- Cleaning and disinfection measures for all parts of facility daily and after each use if equipment is shared (restrooms, pool furniture, front desk, pool noodles, concessions, doorknobs, locker rooms, faucets/sinks, etc.).
- Monitoring of physical distancing to maintain 6 ft. of distance between people from separate households while not detracting from lifeguarding responsibilities. Ensuring policies are developed on enforcement of physical distancing.
- Implementing environmental controls — barriers between staff and pool users, removal of furniture, entry lines with 6 ft of distance, shared spaces including offices, limiting equipment sharing, etc.
- Swimming pool user measures — proper hygiene, face coverings recommended (not while in water), using PSA system to remind users to distance, etc.
- Staff safety measures — establish policies for safe behavioral practices (physical distancing, hand washing, face coverings, health screenings, protocols on first aid and CPR, etc).
- Communications and community awareness and education plan.
- Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet (two meters) from others.
Skate Park (may be closed or have limited capacity.)
- Staff monitoring physical distancing. Skate Park will close if park visitors do not adhere to park guidelines.
- Social distancing encouraged. Stay at least six feet (two meters) from others. Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet (two meters) from others. – Participants and Spectators must follow current state social gathering limits and physical distancing guidelines. When maintaining 6 feet of separation is not feasible, other methods should be utilized to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a face covering or mask, washing or sanitizing hand frequently, and avoiding sharing common objects.
- Installing signage clearly documenting allowable behaviors on site (staying home when ill, proper hygiene, physical distancing, etc).
Restrooms (Some restrooms may be closed due to availability of staff and/or PPE)
- Disinfected at least once per day
Shelter reservations group size
- Capacity may be limited
- Small Shelter – 30 (normal capacity 30)
- Large Shelter – 50 (normal capacity 50)
- X-Large Shelter – 100 (normal capacity 100)
- Mansfield Dam Enclosed Pavilion – closed
- Bob Wentz Enclosed Pavilion – closed
- East Metro Enclosed Pavilion – closed
Special Events – reviewed on case by case basis
- The level of transmission in the community and in areas from which people will travel.
- The overall number of attendees.
- The population served and number of people attending who may be high-risk.
- The density of attendees in a confined area and the area where event would occur (e.g. outdoor vs. indoor).
- The feasibility in limiting the number of people attending.
- The ability to make modifications to the event that support adherence to physical distancing.
- The supplies needed to protect event attendees and staff.
- The level of community awareness and education about the additional public health and safety measures in place.
- The likelihood of attendees following public health and safety measures and the ability to monitor and enforce measures.