Department leaders say Parks & Recreation serves thousands through youth programs, senior services, beaches, marinas and community events.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — According to Parks & Recreation Director Robert Dodd, the department is involved in nearly every major event and outdoor space across the city while providing programs and services for residents of all ages.
“We’re involved with everything Corpus Christi all the time,” Dodd said. “There’s not one event or anything that goes on in Corpus Christi that Parks and Recreation is not involved in in some way.”
Dodd said the department maintains more than 3,000 acres of parks and athletic fields and provides a wide range of services throughout the year. Those include serving more than 1,000 meals each day through Meals on Wheels, welcoming about 500 seniors daily at senior centers, hosting approximately 5,000 children in summer camps and providing about 1,500 swimming lessons each summer.
The department also oversees 500 boat slips at the Corpus Christi Marina and maintains eight miles of Gulf beaches, helping keep those areas clean and safe for visitors.
“We deal with our citizens from infants all the way to our seniors,” Dodd said. “It touches a huge part of our community.”
In addition to parks and recreation programs, Dodd said the department maintains historic cemeteries and helps prepare for many of the city’s largest events, including Buc Days and Fourth of July celebrations.
“My team is so excited to work for our city and make our city beautiful,” he said.
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Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Sergio Gonzalez said the department offers activities for nearly every age group, including youth basketball, baseball and volleyball programs, senior recreation opportunities and access to parks, trails and outdoor spaces.
“What we love in Parks and Rec is that everybody stays active,” Gonzalez said. “Everybody has a healthy lifestyle, and really it’s good for your mental health as well.”
Families can also take advantage of the city’s seven public pools, which remain open through the first weekend of August, Gonzalez said.
The department also manages Corpus Christi’s Gulf beaches and marina. Jonathan Atwood, who oversees those operations, said crews work year-round to maintain the beaches and recently completed improvements at the marina, including the People’s Boardwalk and dock replacement projects.
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Atwood encouraged visitors to check daily beach conditions before heading out.
“We post beach conditions every day online,” Atwood said. “Our Beach Rescue team is always standing by, willing to help.”
For families looking for something different this summer, Atwood recommends visiting the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center, which he called one of Corpus Christi’s hidden gems.
“I think it is a hidden gem here in Corpus Christi,” Atwood said. “People can come and enjoy nature, learn about local wildlife and experience everything the preserve has to offer.”
City officials encourage residents to take advantage of the free parks, trails, beaches and recreation programs available throughout Parks and Recreation Month.