Outdoor Playgrounds Reopen At Rancho Palos Verdes Parks

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — Outdoor playgrounds in Rancho Palos Verdes are now reopened as part of the revised statewide health order, city officials said Thursday.

In response to outrage from parents and a dozen California legislators, on Wednesday the state reversed its closure of playgrounds within regions under the renewed stay-at-home order.

Lawmakers argued in a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom last week that lower-income communities would be disproportionately affected by the order because not all families have outdoor space for children to play in.

"It is necessary for the mental and physical health of children to have opportunities to expend their physical energy and play," stated the letter, signed by 12 lawmakers. "Public playgrounds provide a shared outdoor resource for families without having to travel far, pay entrance fees or need additional outdoor gear."

Visitors must comply with posted guidelines that outline the following requirements from the California Department of Public Health:

• Face masks over the mouth and nose are required for everyone 2 years of age or older, with caregiver supervision at all times to ensure face mask use.
• Do not use the playground when different households are unable to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet.
• Caregivers must monitor to keep adults and children from different households at least 6 feet apart.
• Consider coming on different times or days to avoid wait times and potential crowded times.
• No eating or drinking on the playground, to ensure face masks are worn at all times.
• Wash or sanitize hands before and after using the playground.
• Elderly and persons with underlying medical conditions should avoid the playground when others are present.
• Limit visit to 30 minutes per day when others are present.

Due to a recent unrelated inspection of playground equipment by the city, some equipment will remain closed to the public until further notice so upgrades can be installed, officials said. These areas remain closed:

• Swings for ages 5-12 years at Hesse Park, Ryan Park, Ladera Linda Park and Eastview Park
• Selected playground structure elements, including slides and climbers at Hesse Park and Ladera Linda Park
• Playground structures at Hesse Park, Ryan Park, Ladera Linda Park, and Eastview Park
• Swings for ages 4 years and under at Eastview Park and Ryan Park

Anyone with questions can contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 310-544-5260 or parks@rpvca.gov.

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