Coronavirus Closes Fairfax County Parks, Playgrounds, Skate Parks

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Park Authority will close its parks on Wednesday, March 25 due to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order to close public access to recreational facilities. The closure applies to parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and open recreation areas at parks operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. The changes continue until further notice. Trails remain open for individual use, but group use isn't permitted.

The park authority previously closed indoor facilities, including RECenters, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, permitted use of athletic fields and picnic shelters, and parts of Frying Pan Farm Park. Programs and events are canceled through at least April 14. Public health officials recommended against playing on playground equipment. The operating status will continue to be re-evaluated as the new coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve.

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority also announced updates to its operating status Monday. While many parks are open, playgrounds are closed, NOVA Parks Headquarters is closed and NOVA Parks programs are canceled. Check each individual park for opening status and hours.

As of Monday, March 23, the Fairfax County Health Department reported 43 presumptive positive cases of the new coronavirus in the Fairfax Health District, the highest number among Virginia localities. On Saturday, the health department reported the death of a Fairfax County man in his 60s, the first death related to coronavirus in Northern Virginia and the sixth in the state. The Fairfax Health District includes Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church City.

Park visitors are asked to follow closure notices and practice social distancing. The park authority recommended these guidelines for visitors:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Do not engage in activities that require physical or shared contact.
• Avoid congregating in groups.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance between others.
• Avoid touching shared surfaces and equipment.
• Take trash with you.
• Do not park illegally.
• Wash hands frequently.

Other updates on Fairfax County's operating status can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/status. Public health information on the new coronavirus is available from the Fairfax County Health Department, Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: Things To Know For Week Of March 22