Starting July 1, 2025, the City of San Marcos will implement paid parking for non-residents at City Park, located at 170 Charles Austin Drive. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to maintain and support local park resources as community usage continues to grow, especially during weekends and holidays.
Non-residents visiting City Park will need to pay for parking either at on-site kiosks (cash or card) or through the PayByPhone app, which allows users to manage their parking sessions remotely. License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras will automatically scan vehicle plates upon entry, and all drivers residents and non-residents alike will receive a 30-minute grace period.
After the initial 30 minutes, parking fees will be charged as follows:
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Up to 1 hour: $5.00
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Up to 2 hours: $10.00
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Over 3 hours or all day: $15.00
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Special event parking (e.g., Texas State University events): $25.00 flat fee
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Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day – Friday to Monday): $25.00 flat fee
City Park hours remain 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Overnight parking is prohibited.
Free Parking for San Marcos Residents
San Marcos residents will still enjoy free parking at City Park but only after registering their vehicle(s) online. Residents can register up to five vehicles per household by submitting valid proof of residency, such as a San Marcos utility bill, driver’s license, or enhanced library card from the San Marcos Public Library.
The city is currently requiring residents to create individual accounts for each vehicle but is working on streamlining the process to allow multi-vehicle registration under one account in the future. To verify residency or property tax status, residents can use the SMTX Address Look Up tool or visit the Hays Central Appraisal District website.
According to city officials, the new policy is designed to reduce overcrowding at the park and ensure its upkeep by generating revenue from non-resident visitors who frequent the area. City Park has long been a hub for both locals and tourists, especially during peak months and university event weekends. For more details and step-by-step guidance on registering your vehicle or paying for parking, residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the City of San Marcos website.
