Sonoma County Expands Park Access In New Health Order

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Starting Wednesday, Sonoma County residents can drive to inland parks under a new health order that eases restrictions on outdoor recreation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sonoma County Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase issued the new order Tuesday that allows all parks, trails and recreation areas in the county including those managed by private organizations, to reopen some parking lots and sports facilities.

The lone exception is the Sonoma Coast, where county officials say parking areas must remain closed to prevent crowding at beaches. Coastal residents may still walk, jog or bike to nearby parks during limited hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

"We're very pleased more residents will be able to reach their parks for essential exercise," said Susan Gorin, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. "The loosened restrictions mean our collective effort to slow the virus’ transmission is working. But as we enjoy parks, we must be vigilant about protecting ourselves and others. Please use parks close to home, wear a face mask when social distancing isn’t possible, and follow new rules meant to keep us all safe."

A full parks closure went into effect in March when record numbers of visitors traveled to Sonoma County parks despite calls to shelter in place. Two weeks ago, Mase softened the closure to let residents use only those parks they could walk or bike to from their homes.

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"I feel comfortable reopening some parking lots and recreation areas as long as we remain diligent about hygiene, social distancing and face coverings," Mase said Tuesday. "Sonoma County residents have made an extraordinary effort to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Still, we must all continue to do our part and protect the progress we’ve made."

Parkgoers must still adhere to social distancing rules and must wear face coverings — masks — if they come within 6 feet of others in the park.

The order does encourage park users to limit their travel by continuing to walk or bike to parks near their homes.

The county order gives park managers the authority to determine on a park-by-park basis whether to open tennis courts, disc golf courses, basketball courts and other shared sports facilities so long as usage is in compliance with social distancing restrictions. Those rules limit use to a single person or members of the same household. Under the previous order, park use was restricted to walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling and fishing.

Parking areas may be physically limited by parks managers to conservatively provide for physical distancing in parking lots and at trailheads and other access points.

Some park features that are conducive to people gathering or have frequently touched surfaces remain closed, including: playgrounds, dog parks, outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas, drinking fountains and barbecues.

The order also states that prior to going to a park, a person must conduct a self-assessment of their health and should not enter a park if they have any of the following symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus:

• Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater;
• Cough;
• Sore throat;
• Shortness of breath;
• Unusual headaches;
• Severe fatigue;
• Chills;
• Gastro-intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or stomach cramps; or
• Loss of sense of smell or taste.

The county also says anyone who has had direct contact with a COVID-19-positive person in the past 14 days should not enter a park, and should contact their doctor for further instructions.

"This public health emergency is going to continue into the foreseeable future, and the parks and services we provide are going to be increasingly critical for maintaining the physical and mental health of our community," said Bert Whitaker, director of Sonoma County Regional Parks. "We’re pleased to be helping residents get back to their parks."

Read the complete amended park health order here.

ALSO SEE: Coronavirus In California: What To Know