PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Parks Department is announcing new weekend changes at Lake Pleasant and other parks to allow for physical distancing.
“This has been a learning experience for all of us, and we’ve come to realize that the COVID-19 strategies that are working well in our mountain parks do not fully meet the lake’s needs. Over the past week, we’ve worked closely with the lake staff to develop a plan that will provide a safe environment for both our park visitors and my team,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director.
Officials announced the following changes set to take effect this Saturday:
Main Entrance
- The park will enter into a temporary mandated hard closure from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday at the main park entry.
- No new entries/re-entries will be allowed into the park during this period.
North Entrance (4-lane boat ramp)
- The north entrance will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 9 am. Entrance into the area will close at 9 am, and all boaters must exit the area by 4 pm on these days.
- No new entries/re-entries into the area will be allowed after 9 a.m.
- A closure may be implemented before 9 a.m. if physical-distancing park capacity standards are reached in this area prior to the mandatory closure.
- The area will remain closed Monday through Friday.
Camping Reservations
- Camping Reservations
- Campers are encouraged to enter the park after 4 p.m. to avoid closure protocols and to remain inside the park during the mandatory closure periods.
- Same day camping reservations for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday may not be booked at this time.
Shoreline Camping
- There is no primitive, shoreline, or boat camping available at the lake.
Trailheads
- The Beardsley Trailhead is currently closed.
Payments
- Payment may be made via credit/debit card and/or annual pass.
Scorpion Bay Marina
- Marina slip renters and individuals with boat reservations should be in the park by 11 am or after 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday if at all possible.
- Individuals visiting Scorpion Bay Marina should contact the marina for further information on how the changes will impact their visit.
These changes only impact Lake Pleasant Regional Park and do not impact the rest of Maricopa County’s regional park system.
All changes will remain in effect until COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
For additional COVID-19 regional park system updates, visit MaricopaCountyParksCOVID-19.
