New closures of East Bay Regional Park District areas have been announced to limit overcrowding and help keep the public and park staff safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
All picnic areas, restrooms, water fountains, swimming facilities/areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, group campsites, backcountry campsites, sports fields, kiosks and facilities that can be reserved are closed and group gatherings banned.
District officials said this past weekend more people were out in parks than during a busy holiday.
“We can’t bend the curve if everyone is out,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
The governor on Monday temporarily banned vehicular traffic at state parks in five counties including Marin, San Mateo and Sonoma counties in the Bay Area.
District officials said a concern is unsafe overcrowding. Some closures were already in effect and Wednesday park district officials added to those closures, which begin Friday.
For a list of all closures, please consult www.ebparks.org. More closures are possible, though state and county health departments prefer that parks are open.
“We want to help everyone during this crisis by keeping parks open, but safety of the public and our employees is our top priority,” park district general manager Robert Doyle said in a statement. “If parks are too
crowded, please help us keep people safe by going home.”
14 comments
I’m sure the ones to complain the loudest about this will be the ones that caused it to happen.
And the ones that remain open will become more crowded.
108RS
Just like the title of this post says “park areas” are closed, however the parks in their entirety are not closed.
Most hiking trails will remain open.
While some parking lots will be closed, others will remain open.
Picnic areas will be closed, but you can still pack in a lunch or snacks while hiking (please pack out your trash).
Some gates will be closed to vehicular traffic but will be open to foot traffic and bicycles.
Don’t travel in large groups. If someone needs to pass you on a path, please step aside and let them pass. If you need to pass someone on a trail, politely say that you intend to pass.Some trails aren’t going to be 6 ft wide, but try give as much distance as possible, and try to pass as quickly as possible.
If a parks employee gives you instructions, please comply. If people abuse the parks, then they might do a full closure.
Natalie, don’t you think just staying off the narrow trails altogether is a better idea?
This is getting absurd. Someone needs to lock up Newsom the control freak
Leaf blowers still out blowing dirt, germs and debris in our air. Ban that first. It’s a crime!
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The man is trying to save people’s lives yours included. He cannot pitch and catch the ball at the same time. Use your common sense. Do your part and stop complaining. He didn’t spread the virus or deny it. The moron in the White House with his little mind caused havoc in this country. Still where the hell are the ventilators?? And the free tests? You should be complaining about that. And how the orange criminal is not In prison?!! Stay safe. If you want.
stop blaming Trump. Newsom wanted open borders and a sanctuary city where germs can fester even more! People are killing themselves and the economy is ruined….wake up…
And how may I ask do they intend to enforce these closures?
Probably by writing tickets to people they catch in the closed parks.
writing tickets to tax paying citizens that is meanwhile the homeless trashing the parks can setup camp and leave needles, break glass everywhere for your dog to walk on when they open back up.
They will enforce by throwing people in jail since they made extra room from the inmates they let out! 😉
People are tired of being held hostage in their homes by the Government.
The parks should remain open even if the facilities are closed.
It’s unhealthy to sit and watch TV all day and do nothing.
People need to walk, talk to one another. get fresh air and get some sun.
I have noticed a lot more people out and about these last few days.
The weather is supposed to be great next week.
I’ll bet there will more and more people out enjoying life, much to the chagrin of the government.
Stay healthy, that’s the best way to beat the bug.
I don’t understand this. A previous article here a few days ago sad they were open and would welcome visitors:
http://claycord.com/2020/03/19/go-for-a-walk-east-bay-regional-park-district-trails-are-open/
This is not fair to the residents of the area.
There are no words to help you. Take care.
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