In response to COVID-19 and shelter in place, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order closing parking lots at state beaches and parks on Monday. State campgrounds have also been closed for now.
The first round of closures hit 36 state parks in five counties, including Sonoma, Marin and Solano. Marin County’s public health officer is asking people, “Not to drive to beaches, open space, or parks outside their neighborhoods. Avoid places where groups are gathering. Community members may walk or bike to nearly preserves, parks, and pathways that are open. Practice social distancing and preventive hygiene when outside your home.”
Pacifia and Half Moon Bay have followed orders and closed the parking lots to their beaches yesterday to discourage people from going to the beach. It is important to note that if the parking lot is full and you park illegally, you will be cited.
In Alameda and Contra Costa County park trails are open, but buildings and picnic tables are not available. According to an article from KQED, “Parks officials warn that they don’t want to see the same level of attendance as this past weekend.”
In San Mateo County, all Midpeninsula Open Space Regional Preserves are open at this time. Santa Clara County parks and trails are open from dawn to dusk, but the offices will remain closed and any scheduled program or event will be cancelled until April 7th. Read the full statement in order to successfully follow their guidelines here.
In a statementreleased online, San Francisco Parks and Recreation announced all of the playgrounds also closed but, “During these unprecedented times, we would like to assure you that our parks, trails and open spaces remain open to allow people to go outside and get some fresh air.”
No matter where you are, anticipate not being able to use restrooms anywhere. Please stay safe and stay six feet apart from people you do not live with.
