CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Orders to close all beaches and large parks in Corpus Christi and Nueces County were met with mixed opinions from people visiting Padre Balli Beach on Wednesday.
“The beach is the heart of Corpus Christi, and I don’t see no health issues here," beach goer Veronica Salinas said. "Everybody (is keeping) apart (from one another)."
Salinas was referring to social distancing guidance from health experts that they hope will slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Today's closures go one step further, and a second beachgoer is fine with the decision.
“I think, as a precautionary (measure) for the health and welfare of folks who live out here on North Padre Island, I think it’s a good call," Timothy Hartleben said.
Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb went first at the daily COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday, closing all city beaches and eight parks that have parking lots to vehicle traffic.
"There’s never a wrong time to do the right thing," McComb said. "We think this is right for the public’s safety and health."
Nueces Co. Judge Barbara Canales followed McComb issuing a similar order for parks in every town in the county and all of the county's beaches.
“From the shores of Kleberg (County), to the shores of Nueces (County), all the way including Port Aransas -- these beach closures are in our best interest for this weekend.”
The closures go into place Friday at 6 a.m., and parks and beaches reopen to vehicle traffic Monday at 6 a.m. The city and county hope to keep people out by blocking off parking lots with barricades.
“Don’t mess with the barricades," Canales warned sharply. "Because that’s messing with county property and in direct violation of an order that is punishable not only by a fine, but a 180 days in jail.”
City Parks Closed
- Bill Witt Park
- West Guth Park
- Manuel Q. Salinas Park
- The Water’s Edge
- Cole Park
- Labonte Park
- Lakeview Park
- Parker Park
County Parks Closed
- Hazel Bazemore Park
- Lyondell Baseball Park
- Hilltop Park
- San Juan Park
- Oscar Ortiz Park
- John Sablatura Park
- Barber Lane Park
- Sandy Hallow Park
- Lone Oak Park
- Amistad Veterans Memorial Park
- Bobby Ray & Opal Younts Park
- Banquete Park
- Lost Creek Park
- 83 Yard Park
- Fairground Stadium
Bay Beaches Closed
- McGee Beach
- North Beach
Gulf Beaches Closed
- City and County Gulf Beaches from Access Road 2 thru County Road 6 (Access Road 2, Beach Marker 62, Newport Pass Road, Zahn Road, Access Road 3A, Windward Parking Lot, White Cap Beach, County Road 4, County Road 5, Bob Hall Park and Pier, and County Road 6).
For more information, call (361) 826-3460 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com [ccparkandrec.com].