Santa Cruz Co. parks remain open for recreational use

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION)

Parks in Santa Cruz County will remain open during the Shelter-in-Place orders.

People visiting the parks for recreational use are reminded to follow physical distancing guidelines of at least six feet.

The county's health officer along with city leaders in Watsonville, Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz agreed to allow people to carry out their need for physical exercise and mental health.

"With so many people at home we are seeing violations at beaches, trails, parks, and paths as they become overloaded,” Santa Cruz County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said. “We are asking everyone to be thoughtful while they are out walking and hiking, including maintaining social distance. We want our entire community to enjoy all of their park spaces, and we want them to engage in safe health practices at the same time.”

Under the agreement, skate parks, dog parks, disc golf, pump tracks, bike parks, tennis courts, pickleball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields and bocce ball throughout Santa Cruz County remain open.