Bill Witt Park and Splash Pad recording more than 60,000 visitors. Collier Park Collier Park Pool also saw near 13,000 visitors.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — With students across the Coastal Bend back in school, Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation is looking back at a busy summer, with thousands of families visiting city pools, parks and beaches.

During a summer numbers briefing presented to Corpus Christi City Council by Parks and Recreation Director Robert Dodd, officials highlighted strong attendance at several city recreation facilities.



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Bill Witt Park and Splash Pad on Yorktown Boulevard was one of the most popular destinations this summer, recording more than 60,000 visitors. Collier Park Pool also saw nearly 13,000 visitors.

Councilman Gil Hernandez, who championed the Bill Witt pool project, said the numbers show just how much the community has embraced the facility.

“I was the champion behind the Bill Witt pool, Gil’s World. Ultimately, it was the right thing to do, and the numbers are proving that out,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said having more than 60,000 people visit the pool during the summer is a major accomplishment for the city.

“The numbers show it, 60,000 people going to the pool this year, only in the summer. That’s a tremendous win for us as a city,” Hernandez said.

Council also received an update on beach safety efforts and responses to incidents along Corpus Christi-area beaches.

Lifeguards and Beach Rescue crews will remain staffed through Labor Day. Parks and Recreation reported more than 40,000 preventative interactions with beachgoers throughout the summer season, along with 80 rescues.

Dodd said the most important number from the beach safety efforts was zero drowning deaths.

“The most important stat is zero deaths due to drowning, so very proud of our staff out there and we will continue our program. Lifeguards are certified through the United States Lifesaving Association,” Dodd said.

While summer may not officially be over, families still have opportunities to cool off at city splash pads.

Splash pads will remain open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. They will also be open on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, for the final time this summer season.

With temperatures still climbing across the Coastal Bend, families will have a few more opportunities to take the kids out and beat the heat before the summer season comes to an end.