Additional Phoenix Park Amenity Closures And Easter Weekend Restrictions

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

April 2, 2020

As it continues to manage the spread of the coronavirus, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department announced Thursday additional temporary closures of amenities within its public parks, an operational change at its golf courses and a policy for the upcoming Easter holiday weekend. These decisions were made after a vote of the Phoenix City Council.

Effective immediately, and until further notice, all ramadas and picnic tables are temporarily closed. This includes ramadas and picnic tables located in flatland parks, as well as those in the city's desert parks and mountain preserves. Additionally, the department will implement a change with golf cart rentals at the city's eight golf courses, by limiting cart use to one person at a time unless it is two family members.

These temporary closures and the change in golf course operation add to the park amenities closures that went into effect on March 31 at 5 p.m., which include closure of all playgrounds, fitness equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, and sports complexes located within city parks. The parking lot and trails limited access policy that went into effect on March 28 at Papago Park's Hole in the Rock, Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trailhead, Piestewa Peak Trailhead, and South Mountain Park's Pima Canyon Trailhead and Dobbins Lookout is still in place.

For the Easter holiday weekend, which is Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, the following policy will be in effect:

• Flatland parks will be open for residents to access walking paths and green space only
• No picnicking will be allowed
• Restrooms will remain open
• Parking lots for flatland parks will be closed, but those with a disabled parking placard will be allowed access

Detailed information about the city's parks and their amenities is available by visiting Phoenix.gov/Parks. Being outdoors is important for health and wellness, and the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department encourages residents to get outside, get exercise and practice responsible physical distancing. The department will continue to work with the community to manage this public health emergency, and asks that residents follow these guidelines:

• Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms
• Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails
• Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains
• While on trails, warn other users of their presence as they pass, and step aside to let others pass
• Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times
• Observe CDC minimum recommended social or physical distancing of six feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
• Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up-to-date recommendations on park and trail use

For additional information about local response to the coronavirus, visit the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services websites.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.