City Relents: Some Lake Nasworthy Parks Open for Independence Day Fireworks

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Lake Nasworthy Homeowners Association announced Tuesday, June 30, that it would be moving forward with the annual fireworks show July 4. In light of this announcement, the City of San Angelo will open certain parks to allow citizens to view the fireworks. These parks will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The City stresses that every citizen stay home but we understand wanting to celebrate this national holiday. If you do leave your home to view the fireworks, we strongly ask that you stay in your car and do not congregate with people outside of your immediate household. A reminder: private gatherings of 10 or more people and any outdoor gathering of 100 people or more are prohibited per Governor Abbott’s orders.

“Upon learning that the July Fourth fireworks show was still scheduled to take place, the San Angelo Police Department continued planning for this event,” Police Chief Frank Carter said. “Based on the very large crowds that attend this event, the department decided it was in the best interest of public safety if some of the lake parks were opened in order to ensure ingress and egress. This will help aide in access for first responders to all areas of Lake Nasworthy and surrounding areas. It is always the desire of this department that every event is conducted as safely as possible for all members of the community.”

The City recommends for everyone to stay home this Fourth of July to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to avoid all gatherings with anyone outside your immediate household. If you decide to go to the lake for the fireworks show, we strongly encourage people to remain in their vehicles.

Visitors may watch the fireworks show but must leave immediately after. The San Angelo Police Department (SAPD) will allow time for visitors to leave before enforcing the 11 p.m. park closures. Camping is also prohibited until July 13.

City parks around Lake Nasworthy are closed until July 13. Tom Green County Parks will be closed to all activities beginning on July 2 and ending on July 13 in accordance with local orders to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Camping is also prohibited. Visitors may watch the fireworks show in select lake parks but must leave immediately after.
Lake Nasworthy parks that will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 (for public viewing of fireworks):

• Mary E Lee Beach, 2160 Mary E. Lee Road
• South Concho Park, 1608 South Concho Drive
• Pecan Creek Park, 8400 Country Club Road
• Knickerbocker Park, 6402 Knickerbocker Road
• Hillside Drive, 6600 block of Knickerbocker Road
• Fish Hatchery Road Park, 3500 block of Country Club Road.

Public boat ramps will not be closed. Citizens visiting the lake are encouraged to alert the San Angelo Police Department if they witness any instances of vandalism, reckless behavior or other unlawful acts in an effort to keep Lake Nasworthy safe, enjoyable and attractive.

The Municipal Pool, 18 E. Avenue A, will be open for public swimming from noon to 6 p.m. July 4. Admission is $5 per person for ages 3-64, free for children younger than 3, and $3 for 65 and older. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, no more than 100 people will be allowed in.

The Women Infant and Children’s division will be closed July 2, in observance of the Fourth of July. WIC offices are normally open Monday through Thursday.

Among the City operations that will be closed on July 3: Station 618 and Santa Fe Crossing senior centers, the Parks and Recreation offices, Southside and Carl Ray Johnson recreation centers, the McNease Convention Center, the San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department, Fairmount Cemetery’s business offices, Municipal Court, the San Angelo Nature Center (also closed July 4) and the San Angelo Animal Shelter.

City offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, July 6.