Governor announces temporary closure of state parks, historic sites
Published 12:06 am Wednesday, April 8, 2020
- Gov. Greg Abbott declares a statewide emergency amid new cases of COVID-19 in the state on March 13, 2020 at the state capitol. (Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune)
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AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to close all state parks and historic sites.
The closures are part of the state’s efforts to strengthen social distancing practices and prevent gatherings of large groups of people.
Historic sites and state parks closed to the public starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will reopen at the direction of the governor.
“Social distancing is our best tool to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” Abbott said. “The temporary closure of our state parks and historic sites will help us achieve this goal by preventing the gathering of large groups of people.
“I urge all Texans to continue to stay at home except for essential services as we respond to COVID-19. By following these social distance practices, we will overcome this challenge together.”
