Padre IslandNational Seashore Anticipates Large Crowds for Memorial Day Weekend
(Corpus Christi, Texas)-Superintendent Joe Escoto announced there is a likelihood large crowds will visit the National Seashore for Memorial Day weekend, beginning Friday, May 22 and ending on Monday, May 25, 2009. Park Rangers will enforce the burn ban, parking and traffic rules and regulations at and throughout the National Seashore. Visitors traveling to Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp should anticipate the parking lot filling to capacity. In the event that the parking lot becomes full, visitors may not be able to park and/or use the facilities. Park staff will update and notify the Entrance Station immediately if the Bird Island Basin boat ramp fills to capacity.
Beach driving conditions on Gulf Beaches are extremely poor. Visitors planning to travel on the beach must do so with extreme caution and are strongly encouraged to do so in a four-wheel drive vehicle to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
Additionally, the Park staff is anticipating the potential for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles to nest during Memorial Day weekend. Visitors are reminded to travel at the posted speed limits. In the event that multiple sea turtles nest during the Memorial Day weekend, visitors traveling to and on the gulf beach may experience slight traffic delays. Visitors should notify a Park Ranger or Turtle Patroller and call 361-949-8173, extension 226.
Contact: Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 361.949.8068
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
