Parks and Recreation

Gonzales Parks and Recreation Department has a lot to offer from scenic views of the Guadalupe River to Golf to Rodeos.

The Parks and Recreation Department inventory includes five city parks, a nine-hole Golf Course, three squares, two cemeteries and the Gonzales Memorial Museum and we are responsible for maintaing all city building grounds.

For more information on Parks and Recreation or to book your event, pavilions or to rent a RV site, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 830-672-3192 or email us at parks&recreation@cityofgonzales.org.  We are located at 1920 Saint Joseph Street.

Click here to view the City of Gonzales Park Regulations, User Fees and Refund Polices.

Independence Park

Facilities in Independence Park include four covered pavilions, one nine-hole golf course, three little league baseball fields, one basketball court, a four-field softball/baseball quadraplex, one six-court volleyball complex, one 21-site R.V. park, and a 2.35 mile hike and bike trail.

Independence Park is located off Highway 183 on the banks of the Guadalupe River.  This park includes three covered pavilions, little league fields, softball/baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball court, volleyball courts, swimming pool, a 21 site RV Park, show barn, rodeo arena, a 2.35 mile hike and bike trail and scenic views of the Guadalupe River.  The park also hosts an attractive 9-hole golf course. The lower section of the park, known as the "Brickyard," includes a pavilion, playground, picni tables, BBQ pits, a scenic river outlook, restrooms, hike and bike trail and excellent fishing along the Guadalupe River. The upper park includes the rodeo arena and show barn, ball fields, playground, two pavilions, swimming pool, volleyball and basketball courts, picnic tables, BBQ pits and restrooms.  The baseball fields are home to the Gonzlaes Little League. Map of Independence Park

Swimming Pool The Gonzales Municipal Pool is open from Memorial Day weekend to August.  Pool hours are Tuesday-Sunday from noon-6 p.m.  The pool is closed on Mondays. Learn to Swim The Parks and Recreation Department will offer swim lessons for people of all ages.  Sessions are eight days and run Tuesday-Friday starting at 10 and 11 a.m. and 7 and 8 p.m.  Sessions start June 5, June 19, July 10 and July 24. Registration begins Monday, May 7. Learn to Swim Levels: 0-36 months:  Infant/Toddler lessons.  This is a gerat program to introduce children to the water.  An adult must accompany each child during lessons.  One session is devoted to infant/child CPR.  Class length-30 minutes. Journey 1-3:  Ages 36 months-7 years.  These lessons take the child throught the adventures of Swish the Safety Fish and his friends as they learn various floating and swimming techniques.  Class Lenght-45 minutes. Adult and Challenge Series:  Ages 7-49 years.  This program is adaptable to meet the participant's needs.  Class length-45 minutes. Senior Series:  Ages 50 years and up.  A program for seniors on swimming and swimming for fitness.  Class lenght-45 minutes.

Independence Golf Course An attractive 22 acre, 9-hole golf course, with native pecan trees along the Guadalupe River offers several challenges is open 7 days a week. Green Fees are $10 per day on weekdays and $12 per day on weekends. Golf Carts are available for rent.  Annual memberships can also be purchased.  You can reach the Golf Course at 830-672-1324. Click here to see a map of Independence Golf Course. Upcoming Events.

Independence RV Park Nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River lies a picturesque and scenic RV park with 21 sites (5 pull-through and 16 back-in sites) with water, electric and sewage hookups. Cost is $20 per night with a maximum 14-day stay.  Reservations for the RV park can be made at the Golf Course (830-672-1324).   Click here to see a map of Independence RV Park

J. B. Wells, Jr. Park

J. B. Wells Parks is a 169 acre park tht has a covered pavilion, multi-purpose show barn, covered arena, practice arena, a hike and bike trail and 392 RV Hook-ups located at 2301 CR 197.  The majority of the events are free to the public throughout the year. 

We are proud to host three youth rodeo finals at the park this year - Texas Junior High State Rodeo - which features the top cowboys and cowgirls from sixth - eight grade throughout the State, the Youth Rodeo Association and the Texas Youth Rodeo Association.

New events for J. B. Wells- April 11 Carson and Barnes Circus, April 13-15 the Southwestern Mule and Donkey Show and in October 2013 the 8th Texas Vintage Airstream Rally.  These are events you don't want to miss.

The arena also plays host to numerous cutting horse events, team ropings, barrel races, 4-H play days, junior high and high school rodeos, mule and donkey show, stock shows, cattle sales, goat sales and the Gonzales Livestock Show.

The hike and bike trail is a mile limestone path that circles around the Santa Anna Mound.  So if you like to exercise or just take a relaxing stroll among the wildlikfe this hike and bike trail is available.

Come see the events with your family with no cover charges and enjoy great refreshments from the concession stand that is open at all events in the arena.

For more information on J. B. Wells Park, to book your event or to rent a RV site, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 830-672-3192 or email us at park&recreations@cityofgonzales.org.

Kerr Creek Park

Kerr Creek Park is located along St. Louis street from North Fair Street to Sarah Dewitt Drive.  Kerr Creek Park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course and the historic Oak Forest Bridge.  The Oak Forest Bridge was built in 1913 on CR 143 over the Guadalupe River and was replaced in 2003 and was relocated for a pedestrian bridge over Kerr Creek. 

The Disc Golf Course was established in 2003 and is home to the 2012 Gonzo LIberty Battle part of the Heart of Texas Tour Disc Golf qualifiers.  It is a well-maintained course with rolling fairways.  Score cards are available at the Parks and Recreation Office or the Chamber of Commerce (414 St. Lawrence).

Summer Youth Program

The Summer Youth Program is for boys and girls ages first through sixth grade.  Activities include nature walks, arts & crafts, swimming, sports, and lunch.

The Summer Youth Program will get started on June 4th at 8 a.m. at the Lions Pavilion in Independence Park.  Parental consent forms may be brought by the cildren or can be filled out there.  The program runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, and ends July 6th.

For more information on the Summer Youth Program contact City Hall at 672-2815.

How to Reach Us:

The Parks office is located in the community services building at 1920 St. Joseph Street. If no one is available at this location, the public should contact City Hall where department personnel may be contacted by radio. Offices hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Additionally, a staff member is available 7 a. m. to 11 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Staff can be reached by telephone at 830-672-3192, by fax at 830-672-2404, or by e-mail at parks&recreation@cityofgonzales.org .