Cities are now restricting access to parks because of COVID-19

PHOENIX — To reduce the number of people on hiking trails and at parks, and to encourage people to practice social distancing, cities and towns around the Phoenix area have begun to restrict access to some of its parks, playgrounds, hiking trails, and splash pads.

Here is what we know.

PHOENIX

The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department announced that late Monday that it, too, would temporarily close playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and fitness areas effective Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m. Walking paths, green spaces, dog parks, skate parks and restrooms would remain open.

AVONDALE

Beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, the City of Avondale said playgrounds, dog parks, and sports courts, including basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and pickleball courts, would be closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That also includes drinking fountains and Fountain Fields Skate Park.

Avondale has also reduced park hours to 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Open spaces, pathways, and trails will remain open during those hours.

TEMPE

In a news release on Monday, March 30, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell announced that park amenities, such as playgrounds, splash pads, exercise equipment, dog parks, bike parks, and ramadas, were closed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Open air spaces, trails, paths, walkways, drink fountains, and restrooms will remain open, the release said.

MESA

Following similar decisions from the City of Phoenix and Town of Gilbert, the City of Mesa announced Monday, March 30, that it would close all of its public playgrounds and athletic courts, such as basketball and volleyball courts, to help promote social distancing. Open spaces, trails, and walkways will remain open. Bathroom facilities will only be available at Pioneer Park, Riverview Park, Greenfield Park, and Red Mountain Park, according to a news release.

GILBERT

The Town of Gilbert will close all of Gilbert Regional Park, as well as all playgrounds, splash pads, athletic courts, and drinking fountains at its public parks at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. That includes Freestone Skate Park and the dog parks at Crossroads Park and Cosmo Park, the Town of Gilbert said in a news release.

Open spaces, restrooms, and walkways will remain open.

PEORIA

Effective March 31, the city of Peoria will be closing amenities in parks such as park restrooms, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks, select sports fields, neighborhood park parking lots, and any group play areas. Ramada reservations will also be canceled through April 30, according to the city.

"The Governor's directive that parks must remain open aligns with the recommendations of top health officials, citing numerous mental and physical benefits gained from spending time outside, recreating and exercising," said Mayor Cathy Carlat. "Providing a safe environment with the best prospects for physical distancing enables Peoria residents to enjoy the benefits of springtime in Arizona, while we all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

PHOENIX

Effective Saturday, March 28, the City of Phoenix is restricting access to some of its popular hiking destinations, including Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and South Mountain.

Here are the closures to know about, according to a news release issued by the Parks and Recreation Department:

• Papago Park – Hole in the Rock: The main parking lot for Hole in the Rock will be closed and access by hikers to Hole in the Rock will be limited. Trail usage at this location has nearly tripled over the last three weeks, compared to the same period in 2019. Other parking lots within Papago Park will be open, as will other trails and access points.
• Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to manage ingress and egress will be in place to resolve overcrowding. Drivers should be respectful if parking in the surrounding neighborhood and be aware of any street parking restrictions.
• Piestewa Peak Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to manage ingress and egress will be in place to resolve overcrowding. Drivers should be respectful if parking in the surrounding neighborhood and be aware of any street parking restrictions.
• South Mountain Park – Pima Canyon Trailhead: Traffic and parking controls to manage ingress and egress will be in place to resolve overcrowding. Drivers should be respectful if parking in the surrounding neighborhood and be aware of any street parking restrictions.
• South Mountain Park – Dobbins Lookout: Vehicle access on Summit Rd. will be controlled to resolve overcrowding at Dobbins Lookout.
• Camelback Mountain – Cholla Trail: Due to rock remediation and trail maintenance following recent rain, this trail will be closed for approximately two weeks.

EL MIRAGE

To align with Gov. Doug Ducey's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected" executive order, El Mirage has announced the closure of its park restrooms, field rentals, facility rentals, dog parks, ramadas, and basketball courts. Walking paths, open spaces, and green spaces will remain open.

NATIONAL FORESTS

Developed recreation sites at many of our national forests have been closed, including Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Coconino National Forest, Coronado National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest, and Tonto National Forest.