Parks & Playgrounds
Estero Llano Grande in Weslaco attracts a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife with its varied landscape of shallow lake, woodlands and thorn forest. Even beginning birders and nature lovers will enjoy exploring this 230 plus-acre refuge, which is convenient to all the Rio Grande Valley has to offer.
Fireman’s Park is an oasis in the middle of McAllen. It boasts a pond with walking track, restrooms, kids’ playground and B-cycle station. Rentals are available on weekends for paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The barbecue pavilion is capable of serving 250 people. The pavilion features a refrigerator, indoor grill, restrooms, and can be rented through the Parks & Recreation Department. The park also has a playground area and sand volleyball court.
Park with a walking path, pond, playground, bathrooms and splash pad.
The Gladys Porter Zoo is an oasis nestled in the center of Brownsville, Texas. With 27 acres of lush tropical plants and some 1,500 animals, the Gladys Porter Zoo is known for its successes in breeding endangered species of wildlife.
Park amenities include a 1.2 walking trail, covered picnic shelters, soccer fields, restrooms, and a playground area.
Park amenities include a 1-mile walking trail, 80 acres, 4 lit softball fields, 2 soccer fields, fishing pong and pier, 2 basketball courts, handicap-accessible playground, covered picnic shelters, park pavilion, barbecue pit, and restrooms.
Park amenities include a 1.5 walking trail, 54 acres of wooded park land, nature trails, observation blind overlooking the Arroyo Colorado, restrooms, and a covered picnic area.
Isla Blanca Park is located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island and is the crown jewel of the Parks system. Entrance is $10/vehicle. Located within the park, there is over a mile of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico that offers an abundance of waterfront recreational facilities. Our beachfront facilities make the clear gulf waters accessible to all. Isla Blanca Park offers two large beachfront pavilions with onsite food and beach rental concessions, ample parking, walking trail, jetties and surf fishing, a jetties bait stand, over 600 full hook-up R.V. sites, cabana rentals, tent sites, a boat ramp, numerous restroom/shower facilities and shaded picnic areas.
Amenities available at this 24-acre park include outdoor playing fields, basketball and tennis courts, children’s playgrounds and concessions. A recreation building with a multi-purpose gymnasium and swimming pool are available.
La Paloma Park is located south of San Benito, Texas, in the rural community of La Paloma. The Park offers a number of recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. Amenities include a walking trail, picnic pavilion, lighted soccer field, lighted baseball field, playground, basketball court, restrooms, concession stand and a splash pad. The Cameron County Health Department also has a satellite WIC office on location.
La Sal del Rey, or “the King’s Salt,” is one of three naturally occurring salt lakes in South Texas. Sitting atop an estimated four million tons of salt, these hypersaline lakes are seven times saltier than the ocean.
The Lark Community Center and Park is a great place for the whole family. It has a branch library, gym, classrooms and restrooms inside. The outdoor facilities include two play areas (one for littles and one more advance for the bigger kids), soccer fields, covered picnic tables, and a walking track with plenty of shade.
Lincoln Park is 48 acres. This park hosts a variety of program options that include nature center, baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Located just outside the University of Texas RGV, the park provides a breath of fresh greenery and open space alongside the local urban landscape.
A Neighborhood Park, which includes 2 Lighted Baseball Fields, Playground with gravel/rock floor, 2 Picnic Tables, 6 Covered Picnic Shelters, a Scout Hut, Community Center, Restrooms, and the Texas Citrus Fiesta Office.
This 73-acre park includes 2 playgrounds, 3 covered picnic shelters, barbecue pits, 2 basketball courts, hummingbird and butterfly garden, and the Lon C. Hill aquatic center and Splash Pad
Sports enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the lighted softball/baseball, football, and soccer fields, a jogging trail, a lighted basketball pavilion, lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and aquatic facilities. Exciting playground equipment is also available in the 27-acre park.
Skateboarding! Little League! Basketball! Park also has a concrete walking trail, covered pavilion, for lots of Family fun! Community Park is located in the heart of Los Fresnos on Highway 100. It is the city’s oldest park, but new facilities added in 2012 continue to make this a favorite spot. It includes picnic areas, a playground, and a water‐spraying splash pad. Benches in the shade of a tall tree make a perfect spot to read a good book because the Whipple Memorial Library is just next door.
This lighted facility has picnic seating and barbecue grill, a full court basketball court, and a playground area, zip line, crushed granite walking trail, swimming pool, exercise equipment, covered pavilion. The outdoor facility is open to the public when not rented.
McAllen Municipal Park and Pool is home to a 27-acre site with picnic facilities, a rubber floor toddler playground, older kid playground & an Olympic-size outdoor pool (see McAllen Parks and Rec aquatics site for more information on pool hours).