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Some currently closed facilities at Arlington County parks will reopen on Friday.
The Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation announced this afternoon that park amenities that can be safely used while maintaining social distancing will be reopened. This includes sports fields, batting cages, tennis courts, tracks and picnic shelters.
Organized sports, special events and organized activities will however remain prohibited. Community and nature centers, basketball courts, dog parks, playgrounds, restrooms including portable toilets, spray courts and volleyball courts will all remain closed.
“We are cautiously opening some of our park amenities as we navigate these unprecedented times,” Parks and Recreation Director Jane Rudolph said in a statement. “We are happy to be able to give our community more opportunities to be active in our parks. We ask people to continue to stay safe and practice social distancing, which will help us stop the spread and stay open. »
Officials noted that some facilities may remain locked Friday as crews work to remove signs and padlocks across the county.
The rate of new coronavirus cases in Arlington has slowed significantly over the past five days, and the risk of infection outdoors is generally considered low.
The parks originally reopened for passive recreation on Saturday, May 23, just before Memorial Day. Previously, only the use of trails was permitted. During the parks closure, police frequently responded to local trails and sports fields to report people using the closed facilities.
More information on the reopening of amenities, from a county press release:
Beginning Friday, June 5, Arlington County will reopen many park amenities for people who practice social distancing and follow posted guidelines. Reopened amenities will include:
- Sports fields (with restrictions)
- batting cages
- Pétanque courts
- Disc golf course
- Pickleball courts
- Picnic shelters (with restrictions)
- skate park
- Tennis court
- Tracks
“We are cautiously opening some of our park amenities as we navigate these unprecedented times,” Parks and Recreation Director Jane Rudolph said. “We are happy to be able to give our community more opportunities to be active in our parks. We ask people to continue to stay safe and practice social distancing, which will help us stop the spread and stay open.
At this time, organized sports, special events, and organized activities and classes are not permitted. Access to various amenities, such as courts and huts, is on a first-come, first-served basis; there are no court reservations at the moment. Signage in the parks outlines specific advice for each piece of equipment.
For health safety reasons, these park amenities continue to be closed: community and nature centers, basketball courts, dog parks, playgrounds, toilets, including portable toilets, spray courts and volleyball courts. While originally planned to open during this phase, dog parks will remain closed as the number of people using them would prevent proper social distancing.
As the county considers reopening other park facilities, staff will continue to monitor guidelines from national, state and local health authorities. Park visitors are asked to respect physical distancing and small group guidelines. Do not use any of the Parc Fermé amenities. Face masks are recommended when proper distancing is not possible. People who are sick or who have recently been exposed to COVID-19 should stay home.
Through Friday, June 5, Department of Parks and Recreation staff will be working to replace signage, unlock and prepare facilities, and perform general park maintenance. Work may not be complete at all parks by Friday. If you see an incorrect sign or a facility that should be unlocked, email [email protected]
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