Phoenix To Close Playgrounds And Other Park Amenities

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

March 30, 2020

To manage the spread of the coronavirus, effective Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m., the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will temporarily close all playgrounds, fitness equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, and sports complexes located within its public parks. This decision is being made under authority in Phoenix City Code and in support of a statement issued Friday, March 27 by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), in which it said the following:

“NRPA understands the important value playgrounds and play structures provide to communities across the country, especially for children. But, given the current situation and the guidance from public health officials on physical distancing, limiting in-person social interactions, avoiding spaces where people congregate in close quarters, and the concerns around transmission of the virus being spread through surfaces, we believe that playgrounds and play structures should temporarily close in an effort to reduce community spread."

All city parks will remain open normal posted hours for residents to enjoy green space, walking paths, dog parks, skate parks, and tennis and pickleball courts, while practicing the recommended safe social or physical distancing of six feet and not congregating in groups of more than 10 people. Additionally, the city's more than 200 miles of trails, located within 41,000-plus acres of preserve land and natural desert park areas, remain open normal hours. Access is being limited at several of the city's high-traffic trailheads. Restrooms will also remain open during park and preserve hours of operation.

In a response to coronavirus concerns, all park benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains, railings and restrooms are being cleaned daily. The restroom cleaning process includes all fixtures, hand dryers and baby changing tables. Park guests and those using hiking trails are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

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 social distancing. The department will continue to work with the community to manage this public health emergency.

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.