Hillsborough County Reopens Neighborhood Parks

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — In an effort to gradually turn the dial toward reopening, Hillsborough County is providing more opportunities for recreation and exercise by reopening its neighborhood parks’ green spaces, including dog parks, for passive recreation.

The parks opened this week but restrictions will remain in place. Parks users must obey social distancing guidelines and portions of many parks will continue to be off-limits. Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings and to bring water to hydrate themselves and pets.

Tennis, pickle ball courts and volleyball courts will be open, but no organized sports, activities or groups will be allowed. Outdoor restrooms will be open at staffed sites.

The following areas remain closed:

• Recreation centers/buildings
• Athletic fields
• Playgrounds
• Shelters
• Splash pads
• Skate parks
• All courts excluding tennis, pickle ball and volleyball courts
• Programs
• Events and rentals

Several of the county’s conservation parks remain closed, but the county’s nature preserves and the following conservation parks opened earlier this month:

• Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, and 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
• Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking Area, 12651 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa
• Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Drive, Plant City, for hiking and biking only
• Upper Tampa Bay Trail and all parking areas
• ONLY the boat ramp at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park in Ruskin.