As we enter stage 2 of of reopening Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will start reopening certain non-contact amenities and park areas. Of course, there will be some strict health guide lines. According to Acting Direction of LA County Parks, Norma E. Garcia,
“We are delighted to be able to reopen some of our non-contact amenities so the community can safely enjoy the emotional and physical benefits provided by parks. We remind the public that adherence to guidelines and precautions is critical to safely operate these open facilities and continue to do their part during this transition stage with COVID-19.”
You can see the full list of places open below and their specific guidelines:
GOLF COURSES:
- Golf courses are open for regular play of no more than 4 players per tee time. Tee times will be at least 10 minutes apart. No tournaments or group play.
- Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on the course or in the parking lot.
- Online reservations and payment recommended. Golf courses will accept payment online, and only by debit, credit, or gift card in person.
- Push carts and walking recommended. Golf carts are limited to single riders.
- Rental golf clubs and push carts are not available.
- Bring your own water. Drinking fountains are closed.
- Golfers may not touch, remove or adjust the flagstick during their round. Course green cups are touchless. Rakes, ball washers, benches, divot boxes, and sand bottles will be removed.
- Driving ranges open. The one-hour time limit may be enforced. Practice putting and chipping greens remain closed.
- Clubhouses and pro shops remain closed. Restaurants and cafes open for take-out only.
TRAILS:
- Trail users are encouraged to check the Trails LA County website prior to visiting trails for updated lists of open trails, safety guidelines, notifications, and up-to-date information. The trail’s website offers information for over 600 miles of trails, including trails managed by partner agencies that residents can visit and experience the wonderful outdoors.
- Download the Trails LA County mobile app before heading out for real-time updates and offline location tracking and trail information to explore the extensive trail network within our diverse landscapes across the County.
- Do not visit public trails and trailheads if feeling sick and/or exhibiting any symptoms of illness.
- Follow all posted regulations at trails and trailhead facilities.
- Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on trails or in the parking lot.
- Limit visits to members of your household only.
- Everyone needs a face covering at the trailhead/parking lots and on any trails where there are other groups of people nearby.
- Infants and children under the age of 2 should not wear cloth face coverings. Those between the ages of 2 and 8 should use them but under adult supervision to ensure that the child can breathe safely and avoid choking or suffocation. Children with breathing problems should not wear a face covering.
- Consider avoiding popular locations that are prone to crowds.
- Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
- Bring water, hand sanitizer, and/or disinfecting wipes to wash or sanitize hands frequently.
- Practice the leave-no-trace principles on the trails to protect park staff and wildlife, (take your trash)
TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL COURTS:
- Physical distancing of six (6) feet must be maintained at all times.
- Only singles play will be permitted.
- Each participant must bring their own bucket of balls with their initials on each ball. Participants will only be permitted to handle their own tennis and pickleball balls.
- Participants will be required to wear face coverings at all times except during play.
- Bring water and hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes to wash and sanitize hands frequently.
- A maximum of one-hour play will be allowed on heavy traffic days.
- Private lessons are allowed using proper physical distancing techniques. Both the student and instructor will be required to wear face coverings. No lessons involving two (2) or more tennis or pickleball students are allowed.
- Payment of any fees shall be done on-line and/or utilizing an outdoor facing window or door.
EQUESTRIAN CENTERS:
- Physical distancing of six (6) feet is required at all times.
- Face coverings are required at all times while in the common areas, including, without limitation, parking lots and stables.
- Face masks are not required during riding so long as physical distancing is maintained.Facility operator and staff shall wear a face covering and gloves at all times.
- Rides (Horse string) will be a single file and a maximum of four (4) riders at a time while practicing physical distancing. This is for trail use only.
- Private horse lessons will require proper physical distancing, and both instructors and students must wear face coverings at all times.
- Lessons shall be a maximum of two (2) participants at a time and conducted in a round pen. Round pen must be large enough to allow for physical distancing during lessons.
- Only one (1) horse and one (1) boarder will be allowed within the wash racks at a time.
- All boarders must use their own wash rack supplies, and hoses will be sanitized regularly.
- Payment of any fees shall be done on-line and/or utilizing an outdoor facing window or door.
BMX BIKE AREAS:
- Physical distancing of six (6) feet is required at all times.
- Face coverings will be required at all times.
- Facility operator shall ensure that the entrance to the BMX Areas and/or Bike Park is single file – one participant at a time allowing for a six (6)-foot distance between participants.
- No rentals will be offered.
- Private lessons will be allowed while practicing physical distancing. There shall be no lessons involving more than two (2) people.
- No tournaments will be allowed.
- Doors, entrances, and/or gates shall remain open during regular operational hours.
- Payment of fees shall be done on-line and/or utilizing an outdoor facing window or door.
- Food and beverage will be grab and go and will follow the Los Angeles County Public Health Order and protocols.
ARCHERY, TRAP & SKEET, OUTDOOR RECREATION SHOOTING RANGES:
- Face coverings will be required at all times.
- Physical distancing of six (6) feet is required at all times.
- Facility operator shall place delineators at sports stations to create a six (6)-foot distance between participants.
- No rentals will be offered.
- Safety equipment (such as foam earplugs, safety glasses) shall be disposable.
- Private lessons will be allowed while practicing physical distancing. There shall be no lessons involving more than two (2) people.
- No tournaments will be allowed.
- Doors, entrances, and/or gates shall remain open during normal operational hours.
- Payment of fees shall be done on-line and/or utilizing an outdoor facing window or door.
- Food and beverage will be grab and go and will follow the Los Angeles County Public Health Order and protocols.
MODEL AIRPLANE AREAS:
- Physical distancing of six (6) feet is required at all times.
- Face coverings are required at all times.
- No group gatherings are allowed.
- No tournaments are allowed.
- Participants may only touch and handle their own model airplanes and gear.
COMMUNITY GARDENS:
- Face coverings are required at all times.
- Physical distancing of six (6) feet is required at all times.
- Volunteer events will not be allowed to avoid group gatherings.
- Maximum number of participants in the garden at one time shall be determined by the size of the community garden and the number of plots.
- Bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes, or a Ziploc bag with soapy water and a washcloth. Wash your hands before and after you go to the garden.
- Gloves are required while conducting gardening, including while handling tools and equipment.
- Remove all personal items and trash before leaving the garden.
Photo Credit: Getty Images