The Green Side of Garland
Garland has 63 public parks spread across the city, and most of them are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight — which means there is almost always a good reason to get outside. Whether you are raising kids, walking a dog, fishing on Lake Ray Hubbard, or just looking for a quiet trail after work, this guide covers the parks worth knowing about and what makes each one worth your time.
A Preserve Worth Protecting: Spring Creek Forest
Spring Creek Forest Preserve, located at 1770 Holford Rd, is one of the most distinctive natural spaces in all of North Texas. In February 2024, it was designated a Community Forest by the Old Growth Forest Network — one of only two sites in Texas to hold that distinction. The preserve is home to some of the oldest trees in Dallas County, and a walk through the nature trail here feels genuinely different from a typical city park visit. If you have never been, it is worth setting aside an hour to move slowly and pay attention.
The preserve also connects to the broader Spring Creek greenbelt trail network, which links up with W. Cecil Winters Park — a 50.2-acre green space with winding trails that draws walkers and runners looking for a longer, quieter route through the city.
For Skaters and Families: Rick Oden Park
Rick Oden Park at 1010 W. Miller Rd is home to the Jon Comer Skatepark, the second largest skatepark in Texas at 48,500 square feet of skating area. The park is named in honor of Jon Comer, widely recognized as the first professional skateboarder with a prosthetic leg. Admission is free and the park is open daily, which makes it a consistent destination for skaters of all skill levels across Garland and the surrounding area.
Disc Golf: Two Solid Courses
Garland has more than one option for disc golf, and both are free.
Audubon Park at 342 W. Oates Rd offers a full 18-hole basket course stretching 6,741 feet. The layout features moderate hills, mature old-growth pecan trees, and a creek that winds through the course and adds a genuine challenge to several holes. It is open on a first-come, first-served basis and draws a regular crowd on weekends.
Duck Creek Park along Duck Creek Drive also has a disc golf course, along with paved trails, a night workout circuit, and open areas to sit and relax. It works well as a destination for people who want to mix a round of disc golf with a walk or a longer outdoor session.
Parks Near Lake Ray Hubbard
For Garland residents on the eastern side of the city, Ablon Park at 3850 Ablon Trail Dr is one of the few spots with direct lakefront access on Lake Ray Hubbard. The park includes baseball fields, fishing access, a drinking fountain, a trail, a pavilion, and a boat dock. It is a low-key, practical park that works well for a quiet afternoon by the water or a weekend morning of fishing.
Central Park and the Dog Park
Central Park, located near downtown Garland, holds a designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park from the Texas Recreation and Park Society, an honor it received at the 2013 state conference. Beyond that distinction, Central Park is home to Garland’s official dog park — a 3-acre facility with three rotating paddocks, security fencing, and separate areas for large and small dogs to play off-leash. If you have a dog and live anywhere near central Garland, this is the most practical off-leash option in the city.
Trails and Green Space: Green Brook Park
Green Brook Park covers 161 acres and offers paved trails, scenic water features, and open green space that draws walkers and runners looking for room to move. It is a large enough property that repeat visits feel different depending on which section you explore, and the trail network gives it staying power as a regular destination rather than a one-time stop.
Finding Any Park in Garland
The city maintains an interactive park map at garlandtx.gov/gov/lq/parks/map.asp that lets you filter by amenity — trails, pavilions, sports fields, disc golf, and more. It is a genuinely useful tool if you are trying to find the closest park with a specific feature, and it covers all 63 parks in the Garland system. The main Parks and Facilities page also lists hours, addresses, and amenity details for each location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Garland city parks?
Most Garland public parks are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Individual facilities within parks, such as recreation centers or enclosed areas, may have different hours.
Is the Jon Comer Skatepark at Rick Oden Park free to use?
Yes. The Jon Comer Skatepark at Rick Oden Park is free and open to the public daily. At 48,500 square feet, it is the second largest skatepark in Texas.
Does Garland have an off-leash dog park?
Yes. Central Park near downtown Garland has a 3-acre dog park with three rotating paddocks and separate areas for large and small dogs. It is fenced for security and allows off-leash play.
Which Garland park has access to Lake Ray Hubbard?
Ablon Park at 3850 Ablon Trail Dr is one of the few Garland parks with direct lakefront access on Lake Ray Hubbard. It includes a boat dock, fishing access, a pavilion, and a trail along the water.
