CITY OF SAN MARCOS
City Park has been a staple destination for outdoor lovers of all ages. With its access to the San Marcos River and proximity to downtown, this 18-acre park lets locals enjoy the best the city has to offer. After months of construction, the playground is back open with a complete makeover including accessibility upgrades.
Located at 170 Charles Austin Drive, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
“City Park now offers a modern play/fitness area with padded turf and enhanced accessibility features for all age groups; shaded structures for safety and comfort, improved trails and a convenient water bottle filling station,” Parks and Recreation Department’s Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Christie Murillo said.
“Some of the play/fitness features include, but are not limited to: situp/ back extension, lat pull down (accessible), body curl station, joint use chin-up station, push-up combo, ninja steps, traverse wall, agility pods, climbing features, small slide, ladder bars, floating bars and several sensory stations,” Murillo said.
The budget for the installation and construction of the playground equipment plus related site improvements was $574,961, which was approved by council at the June 3, 2025 meeting with construction beginning last August. The playground was funded through the city’s Capital Improvement Project funds as well as an insurance claim from prior damage when a vehicle struck the original playscape in 2023, according to city documents. The old playground was built in 2002 and was removed completely. The new playground was built by T.F. Harper & Associates LP based in Austin.
Council approved the purchase of various playground and outdoor fitness equipment not exceeding the amount of $241,036 during the Dec. 17, 2024 meeting. The Parks and Recreation Department were awarded a matching grant of $82,876 from GameTime towards the purchase of equipment according to council documents.
Effective July 1, 2025, parking at City Park is free for San Marcos city residents who register their vehicle but costs for those who live outside city limits. The first 30 minutes are free followed by one hour for $5, two hours for $10 or an allday pass for $15, with a $25 flat rate for holidays. To register a car visit sanmarcostx. thepermitportal. com. For current and future park upgrades and improvement information visit sanmarcostx. gov/parkprojects.
Daily Record photos by John Clark
