Montgomery Parks Closes Tennis, Pickleball Courts: Coronavirus

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Amid a growing number of coronavirus cases, Montgomery Parks has closed all its tennis and pickleball courts to the public.

"The use of these courts violates COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and the use of shared equipment," Montgomery Parks said. "The department has prohibited the use of playgrounds and basketball courts for the same reason. Where there are repeated violations of these prohibitions, the Parks Department has been taking measures to block playgrounds and remove basketball hoops in order to enforce social distancing guidelines."

Parks and trails are open for public use, officials say, but visitors must follow the department's COVID-19 guidelines:

• Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people
• Stay six feet away from others while in parks and on trails
• Do not use playgrounds or any other equipment in parks
• Do not play group or contact sports including basketball, soccer, and baseball
• Do not touch surfaces such as park benches, water fountains, and athletic equipment such as fitness stations