Show All Answers

1. What are the park hours?

Park hours are 5:30 am to midnight.

2. Do you have a parks map with their amenities?

View a list of parks in the Facilities module.

3. Which areas of the park allow for alcohol?

The City of Abilene prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages inside any buildings, facilities, and parks (Section22-2) Violations could result in fines, penalties, and/or arrests. Use of alcoholic beverages at Festival Gardens is allowed under certain provisions. Call 325-676-6217 or email the Parks and Recreation Department for more information.

4. Am I allowed to park on the grass at the park?

Parking on the grass at any of the parks is prohibited (Section 22-13).

5. Is smoking allowed in the parks?

The City of Abilene buildings, facilities and parks are “Smoke Free” areas (Ordinance 41-2014). Violations could result in fines, penalties and/or arrests.

6. Am I allowed to bring my own barbecue into the park?

Yes. Please be courteous of other park patrons, remember to be safe when conditions are windy, and dispose of coals properly after they have cooled. No grills within 100 feet of splash pads, playgrounds or other public activity areas. Trailer mounted grills must be parked in a marked parking space in the parking lot. No vehicles anywhere other than improved roads or parking lots.

7. Can I have an open fire in the parks?

Per Section 22-8, no person shall build any fire in any park area except in a proper container, which container shall be so constructed that it will not damage any park property, including grass, or will not be apt to cause the spread of fire.

8. Where can I fly my drones or other electronic flying devices?

Per section 22-7, no person shall operate, manipulate, fly or cause to be operated, manipulated or flown any model airplane with a motor driven propeller in the public parks of the city, except in areas designated for such activity by the Director of Parks & Recreation. Contact the Abilene RC Society for information about requirements for flying at Seabee Park which is Abilene Parks only designated area for such activity.

9. Is a fishing permit required if I want to fish in the park?

Yes, all waters within our park boundaries are considered public waters and fishing is allowed. There are restrictions in some areas to allow for boat traffic and other activities for safety reasons. Any person actively trying to capture fish must have a valid fishing license issued from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. State fishing guidelines must also be adhered to when fish are taken from public waters. Please see Texas Parks and Wildlife for more information.

10. What are the walking distances of the park trails?

Walking Distances are as follows:

• Abilene State Park (Eagle Trail) - 0.25 Miles
• Arthur Sears Park - 0.72 Miles
• Oscar Rose Park - 0.47 Miles
• Grover Nelson Park - 1.61 Miles
• Abilene State Park (Elm Creek Trail) - 1 Mile
• Redbud Park - 1.51 Miles

11. Does the City have any camping facilities?

City-owned Seabee Park and Johnson Park at Lake Fort Phantom Hill provide for a primitive camping environment. Maximum time allowed for primitive camping is 48 hours.

The Abilene State Park is located in nearby Tuscola. For reservation information, contact State Parks, or call the local number at 325-572-3204.

12. What are the rules regarding dogs in the parks?

The City ordinance requires dogs be on a leash or at heel, walking by your side and under voice command. You should also bring pet litter bags to remove pet waste.

13. Where can my sports team practice?

Many City parks have practice backstops. While they aren't reserved, particular leagues have historically used the sites. Check with your league for direction. Many of the school sites also have backstops. The game fields are under contract with the sports leagues. Check with the school administration for more information.

Advance reservations are considered on a first come, first served basis for up to one year advance. Reservations are subject to any price increase approved by the City Council. The person renting the City facility must be 21 or older. For more information, please call 325-676-6217.

To request the use of a park facility ballfield, see our Facility Rental and Use page.

14. What are the rules at the dog park Camp Barkeley?

These are the dog park guidelines:

1. The dog park is open dawn to dusk.
2. Dogs must be licensed and have current rabies vaccinations on their tags or the owner must have a current rabies vaccination certificate in their possession while using the park.
3. Dogs belonging to City of Abilene residents must display city license tags.
4. Dogs must remain on leash while entering and exiting the park gates. Both the small dog and large dog areas are double gated and the exterior gate must be closed before opening the interior gate. Dogs should be unleashed while they are between the inner and outer gates before they are allowed to enter the park.
5. Owners must remain inside the enclosures at all times while their dog is in the park.
6. Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be removed immediately.
7. Owners are responsible for damage or injury inflected by their dogs.
8. Owners must have a visible leash with them at all times.
9. Owners are responsible for removal and proper disposal of feces of their pets."
10. All children must be under strict supervision and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
11. There is a limit of two dogs per person per visit.
12. Puppies under 4 months are not allowed.
13. Dogs in heat are not allowed.
14. The small dog area is for dogs less than (30) pounds only.
15. Food is not allowed in the park area. Dog treats are not allowed in the park area.
16. Spiked collars are not allowed in the park.