East Bay Regional Parks Camping, Playground Facilities Close

EAST BAY, CA — The East Bay Regional Park District closed all campgrounds, playgrounds, outdoor museums and visitor centers Sunday night as the stay-at-home order went into effect.

The closures will be in effect until further notice.

Health officers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties were among a handful of those in the Bay Area that opted to enact the state's stay-at-home order early, as COVID-19 cases and deaths spike with no indication of slowing down. Campgrounds, playgrounds and museums are among the facilities that may not remain open under the order.

Campground closures include Livermore's Del Valle Regional Park, and Oakland's Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Robert Sibley Regional Preserve Backpack Campground, according to the park district. Camp reservations made through Jan. 4 will be canceled and refunded.

Facilities at Ardenwood Historic Farm and Regional Parks Botanic Garden are also closed. Visitor centers remain closed, including Black Diamond, Big Break, Coyote Hills, Crab Cove, Sunol and Tilden.

Health officials have encouraged people to spend time outside, which is beneficial for mental and physical health, according to the district. Visitors to the district's 73 parks — which include 55 miles of shoreline and 1,300 miles of trail — are asked to wear masks when within six feet of other people.

"Please keep parks safe for everyone by following all COVID-19 safety requirements," the district said in a news release.