Phoenix Park Amenities Will Begin Reopening On March 17

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

March 16, 2021

Parks and RecreationParks & Rec

The Phoenix City Council approved a plan during today's meeting to begin reopening the city’s outdoor recreational amenities tomorrow. Show Caption Hide Caption Phoenix Park Amenities Will Begin Reopening March 17 March 16, 2021 4:30 PM

The Phoenix City Council approved a plan during its Tuesday meeting to begin reopening the city's outdoor recreational amenities tomorrow (March 17), as well as procedures to resume athletic field reservations and local tournaments this month, and open select city pools this summer. The Council also approved Easter weekend restrictions for parks citywide.

"The COVID numbers are encouraging, and suggest that we are headed in the right direction," Mayor Kate Gallego said. "From the start, we've made data- and science-based decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of Phoenix residents. Today, with the decision to cautiously and carefully return to play, we are again following what the science is telling us. Yet, while we want our residents, especially children, to get out into the fresh air, we need to remember that the pandemic is not over. I encourage every individual to stay vigilant and take safety precautions including masks and physical distancing."

Effective Wednesday, the process to reopen ramadas and picnic tables, basketball and volleyball courts, fitness equipment and sports complexes will begin in all city parks. All other park amenities have been open since October 8, 2020, following a Council vote one day earlier, and all city parks, hiking trails and golf courses have maintained normal hours of operation throughout the pandemic. Use of some city park amenities has been restricted intermittently since a Council decision on April 2, 2020.

Athletic field reservations and local tournaments at facilities managed by the city's Parks and Recreation Department will resume effective March 22. Reservations and tournaments at those facilities have been paused since December 3, 2020. Organizations and teams participating in activities on these fields will be required to follow various safety procedures; including having spectators, officials and coaches wear a mask or face covering; maintaining six feet between the field and spectators; and having an on-site contact to work with city staff.

The Parks and Recreation Department will open the following 12 city pools this summer: Cortez, Deer Valley, El Prado, Encanto, Falcon, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Pecos, Perry, Starlight, Sunnyslope and University. Those pools will operate at a reduced capacity, have modified open swim and swimming lesson formats, and staff will follow an enhanced cleaning protocol. Youth age 17 and younger will receive free admission for open swim at all pools through the city's Kool Kids program.

The pools will operate on the city's normal seasonal schedule, and be open six days a week from May 29 to August 1 (closed Fridays), and on Saturdays and Sundays only from August 7 to September 6.

Swim and dive teams, the water basketball league, and other aquatics activities and special events will not be offered this summer. Additional details about the 2021 pool season, and information regarding registration for swimming lessons, will be available later this month.

During the Easter holiday weekend (April 3 to 4), all city parks and amenities will remain open, but parking lots will be closed (those with an accessibility placard will be allowed access). Additionally, grilling and large gatherings will be prohibited. Historically during Easter weekend, thousands of visitors gather in city parks.

Being outdoors is important for health and wellness, and the Parks and Recreation Department encourages residents to get outside and exercise. Community members using the city's outdoor recreational amenities should continue to follow these guidelines.

• Do not use public recreational amenities if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness
• Wear a mask or face covering
• Bring your own wipes and hand sanitizer
• Keep a safe distance of six feet or more from others

Detailed information about the city's outdoor recreational options and free virtual recreation and fitness programs is available at Phoenix.gov/Parks.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.