What you can and can’t do at parks in California this weekend as coronavirus orders continue
A week after county and state officials issued stay-at-home orders to slow the coronavirus spread, parks remain open in the Sacramento region but now with some restrictions on outdoor activities.
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to stay home as much as possible to limit the number of COVID-19 infections, protect those most vulnerable to the respiratory disease and reduce the strain on medical personnel and resources. Those who are feeling sick are advised to stay home and only leave to seek necessary medical attention.
Getting outside for some exercise or just to enjoy some sunshine after being cooped up indoors is still allowed, just as long as people follow the proper safety guidelines: stay 6 feet away from people not in your household, wash your hands often and don’t gather in groups of more than 10 people.
But it seems some people misunderstood those guidelines and headed out on long road trips to already popular park destinations throughout California. The problem was that a lot of other people did the same thing, forcing state and federal park officials to restrict access after large crowds made safe social distancing impossible.
And local officials closed playgrounds, fearing children could get too close to each other or place their hands on frequently touched surfaces. Now, authorities are making it clear that outdoor activities doesn’t mean you head out for a weekend getaway. Unless you want to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle or simply enjoy the park in a small group, there’s not much else you’re allowed to do at a park while maintaining the required social distancing.
Here’s a breakdown on what you can and can’t do at parks throughout the region and some links to find more information:
Sacramento County Regional Parks
The county has closed its playgrounds, because officials say it’s too difficult to continually clean the surfaces and make them safe for everyone to use. Out of the 29 county parks, only seven have playgrounds; the others open spaces for walking, hiking, jogging and bicycling with safe social distancing. The county park golf courses also remain open. Restrooms will remain open during normal operating hours.
Sacramento City Parks
City parks are open, but the playgrounds there are off-limits. But that shouldn’t keep people away from city parks. City officials say a trip to the park can be a relaxing way to alleviate any stress of life under quarantine. But they advised park visitors warn others of your presence and allow proper distance on jogging paths or trails. Restrooms may be closed, and bring a bag for your garbage to reduce the risk of exposure for park employees.
West Sacramento city parks
West Sacramento playgrounds also are not to be used. City officials there are discouraging park activity, reminding residents that group sports, picnics, barbecues and other outdoor group gatherings in city parks or other locations are not allowed under the Yolo County shelter-in-place order. Restrooms in parks with playgrounds have been closed.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District
The district has closed all recreation facilities at its 10 parks and lakes, including campgrounds, visitor centers, boat launches and day-use areas. The district’s parks include New Hogan Lake, Mendocino Lake, Lake Sonoma, Englebright Lake and Stanislaus River parks. Those with paid camping reservations will be contacted by email and full refunds will automatically be processed with no cancellation fees.
National forests in California
All 18 of California’s National Forests have closed their developed recreation sites, according to the U.S. Forest Service. This includes Mendocino National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest. Too many visitors flocked to these popular spots during the first weekend of the statewide stay-at-home order, making it difficult to maintain safe social distancing for the public and the employees. The general forest area including the extensive trail system will remain open for hiking and walking. Some trailheads are simply dirt pullouts along the road and others have paved parking, restrooms, running water systems and picnic benches.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite has been closed for a week. Only residents and employees of the park are allowed in Yosemite. Yosemite hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and many other facilities were closed days earlier.
California State Parks
The state temporarily closed access to vehicles at 59 additional state parks and beaches to avoid “dangerous visitation surges,” according to a news release. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in the Sacramento area is included in a list of state parks with no vehicles allowed. Parks in El Dorado, Placer, Sonoma and San Joaquin counties are also included in the list. State park officials advised “those wishing to take a break in the outdoors, public health officials are advising them to walk, run, hike and bike in their local neighborhoods and walk to parks.” They also said that the sate parks could fully close, including trails, bathrooms and other amenities if the safety measures implemented are not sufficient to protect public health.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 7:04 AM.
