LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Edward Milan,

(Laredo, TX)  Spending the Easter holiday at one of the City of Laredo’s 72 parks is a great way to spend the day with family and friends.  However, the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Department would like to remind people of what is allowed and what is not acceptable at these parks, to ensure the safety and fun for all. 

Laredoans are welcome to come out and picnic, bar-be-que, host games, Easter egg hunts and other fun family activities.  Following these simple rules will help to maintain the park and keep everyone safe. 

Some of the DO’s include:

·        Pick-up and dispose of trash properly. 

Whether families pack sandwiches, bring pizzas or decide to grill hamburgers, brisket or fajitas on site, either is allowed.  Plates, napkins, cups, sodas or water bottles, candy, cakes, cookies etc. and all the other trimmings to have a fun and complete picnic are welcome, as well.  Just make sure to leave the area clean and picked-up, thrown away in the proper trash cans, or at least, gathered in a trash bag.

·        Carry additional trash bags when visiting a local park

·        Park only in designated areas

·        Small portable BBQ grills are allowed

·        Extinguish all ashes Do not place in trash bin or on grass

·        Bring additional gallons of water

·        Have your dogs on a leash—for the safety of others and your pet. 

The list of Don’ts  include:

·        No overnight camping at any City park.

Park hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  No one is allowed to spend the night with either people, pets or belongs, to reserve a spot.  Police tell anecdotes of individuals tying coolers, chairs and other such items to park picnic tables and pavilions. 

However, other more outrageous stories include a family who left their 80-year old grandmother out at the site to save their spot.  Another family tied their pit bull to reserve the area.  Picnic areas are on a first come, first serve basis, starting at 6:00 a.m.  In fact, all property left in the park overnight will be considered abandoned property and be subject to removal by Parks personnel. 

·        No trailer bar-be-que pits or ATVS and other motorize vehicles are allowed in the parks. 

The bigger pits not only tear up the park landscape, they also ruin the irrigation system in place at the parks.  Since not all parks are equipped with bar-be-que pits, the smaller pits that can be carried on site are allowed.  ATVs and other motorized vehicles also cause the same problems for the landscaping and irrigation system and can also be a hazard with the crowds at the park.

·        No open flames or camp fire cooking on ground is allowed

Some people like to bar-be-que with wood and like to build a fire that they then transfer to pit.  This ruins the grass underneath.  All fires must be contained to the grills only. 

·        No alcohol is allowed in the parks. 

Many people like to enjoy their picnics with designated adult beverages.  These are not allowed at any park, at any time, by anyone, including those 21 and over.

·        No smoking is allowed.

·        Absolutely no vending without a special events permit is allowed at parks.

Only permitted vendors, that is, those who have purchased the appropriate City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Department special events permit, and more importantly, the City of Laredo Health Department Food Handlers’ Permit, can sell their paletas and other such treats.  This is to avoid any food-borne illnesses from spreading.  If in doubt, ask the vendor for a copy of their permit.  Approved vendors always carry their permits. 

Additionally, the Parks Department and the Laredo Police Department will be working hard to prevent vandalism this break and beyond. 

Several City parks are equipped with cameras.  Parks police division will be patrolling the parks and monitoring the cameras’ video feed to catch any violators and those who wish to take advantage of the holiday break and cause mischief and destructions at the parks.