CITY OF SAN MARCOS
The City of San Marcos will begin implementing a managed access fee for out-of-area visitors who visit Rio Vista Park this summer. The fee was established in accordance with an ordinance passed by the San Marcos City Council during their meeting on April 7, 2026. The fee will provide revenue to support upkeep, safety and environmental health at Rio Vista Park.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, a $5 fee will be charged to outof- area visitors who visit Rio Vista Park. Managed access will be in place on holiday weekends and on Saturday and Sunday of non-holiday weekends.
Holiday managed access dates: Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25 Independence Day Weekend, July 3-5 Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-7 Local Area Participants will be able to receive a free Rio Vista Park Pass by registering online. Proof of eligibility is required at the time of registration and may include a valid driver’s license, government issue identification, current utility statement accompanied by photo identification, current rental or housing contract accompanied by photo identification, enhanced San Marcos Library Card, or a current paid parking permit.
A local area participant is defined as anyone who lives within the San Marcos city limits, or within the 78666 zip code, or attends San Marcos Consolidated CISD.
“Rio Vista Park is one of our community’s most used and cherished outdoor spaces, and that level of use comes with real costs,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Jamie Lee Case. “Managed access is about making sure the park is maintained and the river itself preserved without placing the entire burden onto taxpayers.”
Summer operations in the City’s riverfront parks cost more than $500,000 each year. Implementing the managed access fee will create a dedicated revenue source to offset those costs and ensure that out-of-town visitors contribute to the upkeep and maintenance required to manage the high seasonal impact on the park. The revenue will also help support staff operations such as park ambassadors, seasonal park maintenance staff and on-going park maintenance.
People who live outside of the designated local area can pay the managed access fee online or in-person at designated Parks and Recreation facilities.
Local area participants will also have the option to obtain a free park pass in the form of a wristband. In-person pickup of the wristbands will be required at the Parks and Recreation Office. Initial wristbands will be issued at no cost with a maximum of five per household, with replacements available at $5.
City staff are in the process of implementing the online registration for park passes and
wristbands, including the fee collection process. Once finalized, information will be available online at sanmarcostx.gov/ RVparkpass.
Daily Record photo by John Clark
