Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Big Sur among parks now closed until at least May 3rd

The California Department of Parks and Recreation announced Thursday multiple state parks along Highway 1 in the Central Coast are closing over the weekend for at least a few weeks.

These include:
-Garrapata State Park
-Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
-Andrew Molera State Park
-Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
-Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
-Point Sur State Historic Park

These six state parks will close until at least May 3rd, but could extend even longer depending on the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in our area.

"We were interested in working with the county and other allied agencies to make sure that folks follow the (shelter-in-place) rules," said Brent Marshall, the Monterey district superintendent for the California Parks Department.

Marshall says they are hoping closures will discourage long distance travel and encourage people to stay at home, but locals say they are running out of outdoor spaces to enjoy in their neighborhoods.

"It's really disappointing because it's one of the places that we can still go to," said April Paynter, a Seaside resident. "I'm surrounded by state parks, I have a state parks pass that lives on my dashboard."

Still, state parks officials say right now, closure is the best decision to make for public health.

PREVIOUS STORY: Officials with California State Parks say the following parks are now closed and will remain closed until at least May 3rd: 

Garrapata

Julia Pfeiffer Burns

Andrew Molera 

Pfeiffer Big Sur 

Point Lobos 

Point Sur 

The decision was made today in line with the county's shelter in place order. The department says they hope this decision will discourage long distance travel and encourage people to stay home.