Here are the rules for using local parks during Phase 2

Outdoor recreation involving 5 or fewer people outside one’s household is allowed under Phase 2.

Parks, trails and sport courts are accessible for activities where social distancing can be maintained, such as walking, jogging, cycling, family games and nature viewing.

Observe the following guidelines to ensure safe access:

• Parks are open for walking, running, passing through and limited sport court use (volleyball, basketball, tennis, pickleball). Organized, scheduled or pick up athletic games and practices are not allowed. Access to some facilities may be limited.
• Enjoy the parks alone, with members of your household or with 5 or fewer people outside your household. Do not gather in larger groups and do practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from those outside your household. Crowded parks lead to closed parks.
• “Go before you go!” Park restroom access may be limited. A reduced level of available staff, and an increased use of parks and the park restrooms, makes it difficult for crews to keep the facilities cleaned to the standard necessary during the pandemic.
• Leave no trace and “pack it in, pack it out.” Staffing is limited and trash is not removed regularly.
• All loop trails will be signed as clockwise in direction to minimize face-to-face encounters.
• Observe closures of specific park elements such as playgrounds/play areas, skate courts, picnic shelters and some restrooms.

This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 3:43 PM.