Arcata’s Playgrounds Will Remain Closed to the Public

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

On Monday, September 28, the California Department of Public Health announced that outdoor public playgrounds are allowed to reopen under specific COVID-19 safety guidelines.

The Environmental Services Department has researched the new state guidelines to determine if they could be met, and due to staffing shortages, it has been concluded that the City of Arcata cannot meet the state’s safety guidelines required to reopen playgrounds at this time.

All City playgrounds, picnic tables and play structures will remain closed to protect the health and safety of the community. City parks and tails remain open, and park amenities including basketball, tennis and bocce ball courts and the Arcata Skate Park are currently open for individual or single household-use.

To minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on Arcata trail and park users, community members are strongly encouraged to follow these recommended guidelines:

• Wear a face covering in all City parks and on City trails whenever you cannot maintain a 6 foot distance from individuals outside of your household.
• Do not remove posted City signs, closure notifications or safety guidance posted at City parks, playgrounds and recreation areas.
• Always maintain a 6 to 8 foot distance from people outside of your household when you leave your home and when you visit City recreation areas.
• Do not use tennis, basketball or bocce ball courts at City parks with people outside of your household.
• Do not use the Arcata Skate Park with individuals outside of your household.
• Stay at home if you have any allergy, cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Wash your hands before and after you go outdoors to get some exercise, and carry hand sanitizer if you are able to.
• Walk or ride your bike to the forest or marsh to avoid congregating in parking lots.
• Bring your own water and keep in mind that public restrooms are closed.
• Please remember to pick up after your pets and to pack out your trash.

For more information, please call 707-822-8184. For the latest local COVID-19 updates, please visit cityofarcata.org or humboldtgov.org.