KTSW Loves: The Parks and Rec

Finding fun activities during the summer is easy but ensuring it will not break the bank can be challenging. With I-35 leading to San Antonio and Austin, it is tempting to splurge on the many activities these cities offer, but that can add up quickly.  However, if you are like me, a college student on a budget, then I have found a better, less expensive route you could take. You can imagine my surprise when I found out it was in our very own neighborhood. 

As many of you know, San Marcos has a lot of different activities to offer. From eating at Blue Dahlia to shopping at the Outlets on the weekends, these activities all have one thing in common- it requires money. Living in a college town has its rewards when school is in session, but facing time off while trying to keep to a budget can be difficult. There’s a fun activity many do not know about that is provided by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Parks and Rec Department hosts the event, Movies in Your Park every Tuesday evening for free. This is the perfect activity for friends and family to hang out while enjoying the beautiful parks of San Marcos. It is a chill, family-friendly environment where people bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers to enjoy themselves. They have fun activities for the little ones to enjoy before the movie at 7:30 p.m., then promptly at 8:45 p.m., the movie starts. Each week there is a different movie varying from the upcoming showings of Minions: Rise of Gru (July 11th) to Lightyear (July 25th). Showings happen throughout the summer, starting in the last week of June and ending in the second week of August.

This last week’s featured movie was Surf’s Up at the Rio Vista Pool forming the combined event, Summer Splash. Before the movie started, goers could swim and play in the water. With a 150-capacity limit, the department suggested that attendees come early as they have a first come, first served policy. However, this is not the case for all movie locations, so be sure to check the Parks and Rec website for detailed information on where each movie will be showing and if there are any limitations.

As for the college students spending the summer here, this is the perfect opportunity for you and your friends to plan a date and catch up with one another. It is a free outdoor movie night and could be a great way to relax, especially with the upcoming school year about to start back up. You and your friends can carpool because it is just a four to fifteen-minute drive from the university, depending on the week’s location. Spread the word, text your group chats, plan who is driving and what snacks to bring, and come out. It is a perfect opportunity to make memories and meet other people from the community!

Organizing an event this big takes a great deal of effort. From reaching out to movie licensing partners to coordinating locations and creating marketing materials, the Parks and Rec Youth Services’ team works diligently to ensure the community can enjoy this event every summer.

“We see a lot of families who enjoy attending this event every year, and we enjoy getting to provide this free community event each year!” – Casey Pittman, Parks and Recreation Youth Services Coordinator.

The Parks and Rec Department hosts other events throughout the year. Be sure to check out their website and follow them on Facebook to see the other fun activities!

Facebook- @SMTXParksandRec

Website- http://sanmarcostx.gov/1010/Youth-Services