While the pandemic has kept people from using many amenities at Phoenix parks, it’s also increased numbers at city-owned golf courses and hiking trails.
The Parks Department says last year more than 6 million people visited Phoenix trails, an increase of more than 30%. The city’s eight golf courses report the number of rounds played increased by more than 20%.
On Dec. 2, 2020, the city council voted to cancel sports tournamentsand close all athletic fields, sports complexes, ramadas, picnic tables, and basketball and volleyball courts until COVID-19 community spread metrics in Maricopa County returns to the moderate level.
Open park space, playgrounds and pickleball and tennis courts remain open. Signs in English and Spanish are placed throughout the parks system encouraging visitors to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by wearing masks, staying six feet apart, bringing and using hand sanitizer and avoiding parks if they’re experiencing symptoms.
In a report to the city’s land use subcommittee, the department said:
“Staff also continues to monitor parks and educate users on the importance of complying with CDC guidelines. Additionally, playgrounds are cleaned daily and restrooms are cleaned twice a day.”
