Johnson City Parks Reopen After Winter Storm Closures

All parks except Buffalo Mountain Park will be open by Wednesday after icy conditions from Winter Storm Fern.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:23am

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Johnson City's public parks have seen closures and adjusted hours this week due to icy conditions brought in by Winter Storm Fern. After full and partial closures on Monday and Tuesday, all parks except Buffalo Mountain Park will be open by Wednesday at 10 a.m., according to city officials. Buffalo Mountain Park will likely remain closed through Wednesday as it does not receive enough sunlight to melt the snow.

Why it matters

Park closures due to severe winter weather are common, but the city's proactive approach to safety evaluations and timely reopenings helps ensure residents can enjoy public outdoor spaces as soon as conditions allow.

The details

The decision to close or reopen parks is made by the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department after crews assess the safety of roads, walkways, and overall conditions at each location. Parks that do not receive direct sunlight, like Buffalo Mountain Park, take longer to clear snow and ice. The department's priority is ensuring public safety before allowing access to the parks.

  • On Monday and Tuesday, some parks were fully or partially closed due to icy conditions.
  • All parks except Buffalo Mountain Park will reopen by 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
  • Buffalo Mountain Park will likely remain closed through Wednesday.

The players

April Norris

The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Director who oversees the evaluation and reopening of the city's parks.

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What they’re saying

“Our main concern is public safety. Our role in this is to make sure that if [a park] isn't safe, we close it up until it is safe.”

— April Norris, Johnson City Parks and Recreation Director

The takeaway

The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department's proactive approach to evaluating park conditions and prioritizing public safety during severe winter weather ensures residents can enjoy the city's outdoor spaces as soon as it is safe to do so.