COB PARD Policy

COB PARKS & TRAILS ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND!

SCHEDULE: SUNDAY-THURSDAY 8 A.M. TO 10 P.M. | FRIDAY-SATURDAY 8 A.M. TO 11

While enjoying the many opportunities the pard system has to offer, please be aware of the following rules and regulations for park use:

PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

• A person may not loiter in any city park. • The consumption, sale, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages on park premises is prohibited. • The consumption, sale, use, or possession of illegal drugs on park premises is prohibited. • Littering is prohibited. Use trash receptacles. • Motorized vehicles prohibited off roadways and beyond parking areas. • Improperly parked vehicles will be towed. • Vending or sales prohibited without permit. • Dogs are to remain on leash at all times. • Pet owners are required to pick up after pets. • Control noise levels – please be respectful of others. • Destroying public property is prohibited by Title 19, Chapter 191 of the Government Code of Texas. • No smoking allowed in any City of Brownsville interior and exterior spaces/facilities.

CAMPING

Camping is currently permitted in only one park via Borrow My Gear Program at Monte Bella Trails Park. Please visit the Borrow My Gear page of this guide or call (956) 547-6860 for more information.

FISHING

Fishing is allowed in various resacas within city of Brownsville parks. A fishing license from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) is required. For information on TPWD fishing licenses visit: tpwd.texas.gov.

KAYAKING

Personal watercrafts are permitted in several City of Brownsville Parks locations. During the summer swim season, canoes & paddle boats and equipment can be rented via Borrow My Gear Program.

METAL DETECTING

Metal detecting or ground penetrating radar at park sites is not allowed. The City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department is obligated to follow State & local law as well as terms of strict deed restrictions.

SWIMMING

Swimming is allowed in City pools only during their regular operating hours and season.

Hike and Bike Trails Discover Brownsville on foot or on a bike or by paddle in our resacas or as part of the Caracara Trails. Brownsville has an extensive bike trail system that includes Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail, Paseo de la Resaca Trails, Monte Bella Trails Park, Belden Trail, Brownsville Sports Park Hike & Bike Trail. Extensions to the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail include 2.75 miles of bicycle and pedestrian enhancements through Downtown Brownsville, a .37-mile extension to the Resaca de la Palma National Battlefield and 1.8 miles into Los Fresnos.

Tennis Courts Lighted tennis courts are located at the Brownsville Tennis Center and Oliveira Park. The Brownsville Tennis Center is run by the Brownsville Tennis Association and operates with nominal fees, while Oliveira Park tennis courts are operated by COB PARD and open to the public free of charge. Court courtesy applies. Tennis Court Hours: Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. For information about the Brownsville Tennis Center, please call (956) 547-8326.

Pickleball Court The Brownsville Sports Park offers pickleball primarily during our Winter Texan season. Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines badminton, tennis and table tennis. The sport is played on a smaller court with a net that is just a bit lower than a tennis net and is played with a hard paddle and a whiffle ball. This sport is great for all ages and abilities. For more information, contact Brownsville Sports Park at (956) 574-6650.

Outdoor Fitness Stations Your health matters! Choose outside for a better inside. Some of our parks have outdoor fitness courts. Be sure to “tour” them all to find your favorite. Whereever your schedule takes you, be sure to plan it in by working out at a nearby station. Stations are located throughout the City - North: Brownsville Sports Park. Downtown/South: Dean Porter Park & Riverside Park. Northwest: Monte Bella Trails Park. Get your sweat on and enjoy an open air work out. Stay hydrated, bring your own towel to wipe down the equipment, if the equipment is out of order please don’t use it, preserve your safety and be sure to report any damaged equipment. Lastly, there are age restrictions, primarily for adult use only, please use at your own risk and follow the rules and guidelines – usually posted on site on the equipment or online. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Skate Parks Shed calories and build your skills at our skate parks. Oliveira Park is long board friendly and Brownsville Sports Park skaters can enjoy a bowl for practicing aerials and tricks. Please follow all posted rules and use at your own risk and be sure to wear protective equipment – your body matters!

Where, Oh Where Can My Little Dog Go? Here's the scoop! Dogs and their humans are welcome in most of our parks and trails as long as the pets are on a leash at all times and the owners clean up after them. We cannot however sidestep the issue of pet waste. Pet waste is a subject everyone likes to avoid, but is is more than smelly and unsightly--it is a health risk to pets and people.

When it rains, pet waste left on trails, sidewalks, and grassy areas can wash into the nearest waterway. Even if it you can't see signs of water near you, the feces wash into the storm drains and then travel to your neighborhood resaca, the river, and the ocean untreated. Out of courtesy to others using the parks, pet owners must take the responsibility and help keep our parks clean. Please bring a scooper and or bag when you enjoy parks with your furry friends.

Re-use your plastic shopping bags for pet waste or use bags available at parks. Pet waste stations and stands can be found throughout many of our parks. You can bring a small amount of plastic bags to restock if you see them empty. Appreciation and thanks are extended to responsible pet owners who, along with their pets respect other park users and the park system.