What To Know About Park, Golf And Retail Reopenings In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County officials reversed course Thursday and announced that county parks would remain open for "passive use" on Mother's Day as the county slowly emerges from the coronavirus shutdown.

On Friday some businesses and golf courses will reopen with restrictions and social distancing guidelines. Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year at county parks, and officials are cautioning against crowds and holiday gatherings that could serve as unintentional coronavirus spreading events. It's a tense time for officials and residents trying to find a balance between safety and a return to normalcy.

The county had earlier announced plans to close off all of its parks on Sunday, similar to the action taken on Easter in an effort to prevent large holiday gatherings that could promote the spread of COVID-19.

On Wednesday, however, county health officials announced that some of its stay-at-home restrictions will be lifted beginning Friday, allowing some retail businesses to reopen with curbside pickup, while hiking trails and golf courses will reopen beginning Saturday.

In light of the change, the county Department of Recreation and Parks announced Thursday that all local, community and regional parks will remain open on Mother's Day. The parks will be open for "passive use, such as walking, jogging and leisure time outdoors for individuals or families."

"Since the holiday is one of the busiest days of the year, L.A. County Parks reminds all park guests that social distancing is required and group gatherings are prohibited by the health order," according to the department.

The county's four botanical gardens — the county Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens and Virginia Robinson Gardens — will all be closed on Sunday.

Businesses that will be allowed to reopen beginning Friday include florists, car dealers, toy stores, book stores, clothing retailers, sporting-goods stores and music shops. The county's health order will only allow curbside pickup for retail, and in-store shopping will still be on hold for the time being.

County trails will open Saturday. Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the county will have staff deployed to ensure people are adhering to social- distancing requirements, and hikers over age 2 will be required to wear face coverings.

County parks officials urged residents not to visit trails if they are sick or exhibiting any sign of illness. People who do hike on the trails should do so only with members of their household, and hikers should bring water, hand-sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes, park officials said.

Golf courses will also reopen Saturday, but pro shops will remain closed, and golf course restaurants will be restricted to carry-out service only.

The county announced a series of restrictions for golfers:

• No more than four players per tee time.
• Tee times will be at least 10 minutes apart.
• Tournaments or group play will not be allowed.
• Physical distancing of six feet will be required.
• Golf courses will accept payment online only by debit, credit or gift card.
• Push carts and walking are recommended because golf carts will be limited to single riders.
• Rental golf clubs and push carts will not be available.
• Drinking fountains will be closed.

Also, according to a county statement, golfers may not touch, remove or adjust the flag stick, green cups may not be touched, and rakes, ball washers, benches and sand bottles will be removed. Driving ranges will be open but practice putting greens and chipping practice areas remain closed.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.