PARKs o’ PLENTY

BY: JESSIE Chrobocinski

Cole Park Pier

LOUISIANA AVE. /OCEAN DR.

Located along Ocean Drive in the heart of Corpus Christi, Cole Park is a familyfriendly park perfect for a few hours of fun. The waterfront park features a large playground, amphitheater, ample green space for recreational play, and a trail for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Cole Park is also home to the Corpus Christi Skatepark, a 10,000-square-foot concrete skatepark beside the beach and Cole Park Pier, the newly renovated pier and plaza that offers a variety of amenities to enjoy such as canopies, lighting, seating, fishing areas, and cleaning

Padre Island National Seashore Grasslands Nature Trail

20301 PARK RD. 22

Separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, Padre Island National Seashore offers a two-mile trail teeming with wildlife through the dunes. The Grasslands Nature Trail offers an opportunity to be one with nature as you take in the spectacular view of native grasslands and marshes. Be mindful of jackrabbits and coyotes, known to frequent the trail, as well as a variety of birds and insects.

SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER

8545 S STAPLES ST.

Nature and birding lovers should definitely trek along the Mary Hope Brennecke Nature Trail and the Oso Creek Loop trails. Located at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, this route is an essential site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

PICNIC AREAS BIRDWATCHING

WATERFRONT

RESTROOMS

PET-FRIENDLY STROLLERFRIENDLY BIKING TRAILS

SCHANEN HIKE & BIKE TRAIL SARATOGA BLVD. /YORKTOWN BLVD.

Stretching 1.25 miles, the Schanen Hike and Bike Trail is a gravel and concrete trail that connects Snead, Whales, Cedar Ridge, and Breckenridge Parks along its route. Perfect for walking, running, and road biking, the trail accommodates all skill levels and is accessible year-round. Leashed dogs are also welcome!

Hazel Bazemore Park

4343 CO RD. 69

From broad-winged hawks and Swainson’s hawks to Mississippi kites and accipiters, birds flock to this park by the thousands. The area boasts the largest concentration of raptors in the nation, especially during the winter migration period. Hazel Bazemore Park trails are perfect for hiking, walking, jogging, fishing, biking – and bird-watching, of course.

Oso Bay Wetlands And Nature Preserve

2446 N OSO PKWY.

You’ll be amazed at this 162-acre nature preserve filled with the wonders of the natural world. The Oso Bay Wetlands & Nature Preserve features two miles of nature-viewing trails, a playground, and a learning center to help educate visitors on the importance of protecting the wetlands for future generations. This “live classroom” is sure to impress any student of nature.