Parks and Recreation gives list of do’s and dont’s for a safe and fun Easter weekend

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Easter celebrations and egg hunts at parks across El Paso will be part of this holiday weekend, but in order for things to run smoothly for families and park workers, the city's Parks and Recreation Department has put certain rules and restrictions in place.

Assistant Director Emigdio Gonzalez said all are welcome as long as they follow park rules, which include no alcohol, smoking, or vaping, as well as people being allowed to bring charcoal grills as long as they don't use it near a pathway and bring their own charcoal.

Gonzalez also said cascarones, or confetti-filled eggs, are shouldn't be broken at parks because the confetti requires extra clean up.

"It's difficult for us to keep the park clean after that, the confetti's small enough to blow into corners and alleyways," Gonzalez said. "We can't pick it up with a mower or a sweeper, and it becomes a maintenance problem for us."

"In addition, the wind blows confetti into neighborhood areas," Gonzalez said. "We've got complaints about koi ponds or other pumps being contaminated by the confetti that flies off. So we prefer that you use your confetti-filled eggs at home to maintain good, clean conditions in the park and in our neighborhoods."

Pets are also subject to restrictions. Gonzalez said they must be on a leash and kept under control.

There will be open seating for everyone, but for families can reserve tables by calling (915) 212-0092.

Gonzalez encourages families clean up after themselves. He said larger crowds during the holiday weekend can leave volunteers and cleanup crews working long after weekend festivities.

"Because of the high demand, we'll have additional cans and roll offs to collect the extra debris and trash," he said. "It'll probably take our entire crew into Wednesday of the following week to clean up the park and get it back to where it needs to be."

For more information about events happening at specific parks this weekend, you can visit the City of El Paso's events page here.