Los Altos Park Amenities Remain Closed as Coronavirus Cases Increase
Los Altos, Calif. – August 6, 2020 – The City remains steadfast on all park amenity closures as coronavirus cases increase locally.
Under Santa Clara County's initial health order, Los Altos closed all public high-touch surfaces, including spaces that promote long-term gathering. Parks, trails, and open spaces remain accessible, and will now extend to the parking lots. Public restrooms, benches, playgrounds, picnic tables, and barbecue grills will continue to be barred from use.
"Our residents' safety is our top priority," said Donna Legge, Director of Recreation and Community Services. "Allowing these spaces to re-open would only increase external visitation to our parks, damaging our community's tireless efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19."
The community is reminded that the coronavirus pandemic is still heavily impacting California. We must recognize our actions play a vital role in slowing the spread, and following the county and state's established guidance is necessary for achieving that.
Here are several valuable guidelines to remember while enjoying our local parks:
- Stay a Safe Distance— Always maintain a distance of six feet or more around those who are not within your immediate household. Residents are asked to leave if there are too many people to allow for an appropriate physical distancing.
- Stay Covered— The state and the county require individuals to wear a face covering outdoors when maintaining a safe distance is not feasible; always have a mask ready.
- Keep Clean— Be prepared, park restrooms are not open to the public. Bringing a small hand sanitizer is recommended. Single-use face coverings and gloves, food, water bottles, and other waste items must be disposed of in garbage cans.
City staff will continue to share engaging nature-based activities on the Recreation Facebook and Instagram channels, as an extension of Parks Make Life Better Month. The Recreation Department encourages the community to participate and share how they enjoy our local park spaces with the hashtags #FunAtHome and #LosAltosRec.
For more information on Los Altos' precautionary measures implemented to mitigate coronavirus, please visit www.losaltosca.gov/covid19.
