L.A. will reopen a number of non-essential businesses starting Friday, hiking trails and golf courses will open on Saturday.
Following the L.A. County news briefing earlier this week, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday evening that some businesses and public spaces to reopen later this week. This includes bookstores, toy stores, music stores, clothing stores, florists, sporting goods stores a car dealership showrooms (open for sales with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols).
The mayor cautioned that the new rules represent “baby steps forward” after many steps backward.
In a press release, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation noted that this is a “fluid crisis” and the situation will constantly be monitored and subject to change in accordance with guidance from health officials. For trail updates, visit LA County trails before going.
Parks and trails updates with full details listed further below:
Initially, the retail and public recreational areas were all set to reopen on Friday with guidelines released before Friday. However, hiking trails, golf courses and parks will now reopen on Saturday instead—this excludes Runyon Canyon.
Local, community, and regional parks will be open — except Descanso Gardens — will be open Sunday for walking, jogging and leisure time outdoors for families on Mother’s Day.
On Sunday, botanic gardens will be closed, this includes Descanso Gardens, LA Arboretum, and South Coast Botanic Garden.
Note: all visits are limited to those that are already living together.
See also: 3 Hikes To A Hidden Los Angeles Oasis
Here’s what is reopening this weekend at #LACOUNTYPARKS.
Saturday 5/9 – Golf Courses and Trails (w/ safety restrictions)
Sunday 5/10 – Local and Regional Parks (Botanic gardens are closed) pic.twitter.com/DgwxQlSWlE— Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation (@lacountyparks) May 7, 2020
Guidelines:
Golf Courses – Reopening on Saturday, May 9
• Golf courses are open for regular play of no more than 4 players per tee time. Tee times will be at least 10 minutes apart. No tournaments or group play.
• Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on the course or in the parking lot.
• Online reservations and payment recommended. Golf courses will accept payment online, only by debit, credit or gift card.
• Push carts and walking recommended. Golf carts are limited to single riders.
• Rental golf clubs and push carts are not available.
• Bring your own water. Drinking fountains are closed.
• Golfers may not touch, remove or adjust the flag stick during their round. Course green cups are touchless. Rakes, ball washers, benches, divot boxes and sand bottles will be removed.
• Driving ranges open. One-hour time limit may be enforced. Practice putting and chipping greens remain closed.
• Clubhouses and pro shops remain closed. Restaurants and cafes open for take-out only.
Trails – Reopening on Saturday, May 9
• Trail users are encouraged to check the Trails LA County website for updated guidelines, notifications, and up-to-date information prior to visiting trails. The trail’s website offers information for over 600 miles of trails that residents can visit and experience the wonderful outdoors.
• Download the Trails LA County mobile app before heading out for real-time updates and offline location tracking and trail information to explore the extensive trail network within our diverse landscapes across the County.
• Do not visit public trails and trailheads if feeling sick and/or exhibiting any symptoms of illness.
• Follow all posted regulations at trails and trailhead facilities
• Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on trails or in the parking lot.
• Limit visit to members of your household only.
• Trail users over the age of 2 are required to wear face coverings at trailheads, parking lots and while on the trail.
• Consider avoiding popular locations that are prone to crowds.
• Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
• Bring water, hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes to wash or sanitize hands frequently.
• Practice the leave-no-trace principles on the trails to protect park staff and wildlife.
Mother’s Day – Parks stay open on Sunday, May 10
Local, community and regional parks, will remain open on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 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, LA County Parks reminds all park guests that social distancing is required and group gatherings are prohibited by the health order. **Botanic gardens will be closed on Sunday, May 10.**
The mayor also released a set of guidelines to follow.
This virus is still as dangerous –– and Angelenos need to adjust to a new reality, even with some changes. Physical distancing and wearing face coverings in public, and limiting non-essential activities and gatherings must continue. pic.twitter.com/8tSdWgF6nk
— MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) May 7, 2020
SEE ALSO: 5 Hikes To Take In L.A.
Featured image: Daniel Pouliot Flickr