FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contacts: Katie Martel (213) 304-9863 |
May 6, 2020 | kmartel@parks.lacounty.gov |
LOS ANGELES – As COVID-19 is a fluid crisis with rapid changes affecting parks facilities, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) continues to assess operations daily in consultation with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on necessary safety precautions. Based on Stage Two of the reopening plan for the County of Los Angeles, LA County Parks has modified its operations to begin the multi-phased approach to public access of golf courses and trails on Saturday, May 9.
LA County Parks is taking precautions to ensure the health and safety of park guests, team members, and the community remains the top priority upon reopening. LA County Parks will launch a park monitor program at golf courses and trails to remind players, visitors, and trail users of physical distancing requirements that remain in place. Staff training, prominent signage, and operations protocols are also part of the department’s necessary preparation and deployment for reopening.
The development of these protocols comes after consultation with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and input from the Golf Re-Opening Task Force and the Countywide Trail Re-Opening Task Force consisting of Local, State and Federal Park and Recreation organizations and trail managing partners. Adherence is critical to safely operate these open facilities so the community can enjoy the emotional and physical benefits provided by golf and trails.
While the golf courses and trails will reopen, there are specific restrictions and safety guidelines that the public must follow in accordance with the health officer order. These include but are not limited to, the following:
Golf Courses – Reopening on Saturday, May 9
Trails – Reopening on Saturday, May 9
Mother’s Day – Parks stay open on Sunday, May 10
Local, community and regional parks, botanic gardens (except Descanso Gardens) will remain open on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, for passive use, such as walking, jogging, and leisure time outdoors for individuals or families. Since the holiday is one of the busiest days of the year, LA County Parks reminds all park guests that social distancing is required and group gatherings are prohibited by the health order.
For more information on closures and changes in response to COVID-19, visit the LA County Parks website at https://parks.lacounty.gov/covid-19.
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About LA County Parks and Recreation
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation manages 183 parks and operates a network of 9 regional parks, 38 neighborhood parks, 20 community parks, 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 8 nature centers, 41 public swimming pools, more than 200 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and the largest municipal golf system in the nation, consisting of 20 golf courses. The department also maintains four botanical centers: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. The department also owns and operates the iconic Hollywood Bowl and John Anson Ford Amphitheatre which are jointly managed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, providing County residents with valuable entertainment and cultural resources.
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