On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously voted to ease limited closure restrictions of Ventura’s beaches and parks. The City’s decision provides access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, Pier, public restrooms, and select parking lots.
For the last several weeks Ventura’s parks and beaches have been open for active recreational use, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and surfing. Beginning on May 29, these areas will open for passive use, such as sitting and sunbathing as long as the public maintains a safe physical distance of six feet and avoids congregating in large groups outside of their immediate household. Group activities such as volleyball, football, soccer, and other contact sports are not allowed.
Bathrooms and parking lots will also gradually re-open at parks and beaches throughout the City, starting with the Harbor Boulevard parking structure at the Pier. Public bathrooms will be cleaned daily with high touch surfaces properly disinfected regularly.
“As we move forward on a path to reopening safely, the City Council approved easing restrictions for our parks and beaches based on public health guidance and in support of our partnering public agencies at the State and County of Ventura,” commented Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere. “Now, open space guidelines at all parks and beaches throughout the area will share a common education message and encourage the same guidelines to be followed.”
Sidewalks, walking paths, trails, and tracks within all public parks continue to remain open for active recreational use, including walking, hiking, jogging, running, or biking. Please follow public health guidance in the “Stay Well at Home” order, set by the Ventura County Health Officer.
Playgrounds, pools, courts, indoor facilities like museums and visitor centers, and sports and recreational fields will remain closed until further notice. If a park or beach becomes overcrowded or difficult for safe social distancing to be observed, the Ventura Police Department may order the area to be closed.
“The City wants to provide an opportunity for our residents to recreate responsibly this summer while supporting our local business community as they reopen throughout Ventura,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “The gradual reopening of city parks and beaches is another positive step forward as we work together to reopen gradually, cautiously, and successfully with community members, businesses, and government agencies.”
City signs will be posted to remind the public to continue to practice physical distance of six feet or more and abide by the County’s “Stay Well at Home” order to limit the risk of exposure to the virus.
For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19. For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.
