Revised state order allows playgrounds to remain open
Playgrounds like this one at Spirit Park on Newport Road will remain open under a revised state order. (File photo) By Doug Spoon, Editor ...
By Doug Spoon, Editor
The state today reversed a portion of its recent stay-at-home order, announcing that outdoor playgrounds will remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All other aspects of the Dec. 5 stay-at-home order – including the prohibiting of outdoor dining at restaurants – remain in place. The change in status for playgrounds came after pressure from several lawmakers, stating that the order would disproportionately affect low-income families who have insufficient opportunities for outdoor activity.
The original order also allows outdoor hiking and biking.
"It is necessary for the mental and physical health of children to have opportunities to expend their physical energy and play," according to a letter signed by 12 lawmakers and sent to the governor last week. "Public playgrounds provide a shared outdoor resource for families without having to travel far, pay entrance fees, or need additional outdoor gear."
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), one of those who signed the letter, expressed thanks for the change on her Twitter feed today.
Every parent knows how important playgrounds are for our youngest Californians,” Gonzalez wrote. “A huge thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom for hearing our collective concern and rethinking how we can open play structures for our kids.”
The extent to which organized sports can be played on park athletic fields remains uncertain. Youth sports remain under an Aug. 5 order which states that they may only be held if participants maintain social distance, and in small groups. By that interpretation, activity on athletic fields is permitted, but the guidelines make organized games difficult.
That’s why high school athletes were limited to conditioning only in preparation for what they hoped would be a delayed fall season. Now, with all of Southern California remaining in the most restricted tier, even those workouts have been stopped by some, including Heritage and Paloma Valley high schools.
Both Menifee Valley Little League and Menifee Pony Baseball are accepting registration for a spring season, but those seasons will be modified. On its Facebook page, Menifee Pony Baseball announced last month that a spring season would consist of practices only, with only one team on the field at a time. Games would not be held unless state guidelines change.
The state announcement came on the same day that Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District announced that it is opening the new Heritage Lake Sports Park to the public on Saturday. The 20-acre park, located at 29209 Heritage Drive, was constructed in a partnership between Valley-Wide and Lennar Homes.
The park includes six lighted soccer fields, two lighted pickleball courts, three lighted tennis courts, three lighted full basketball courts, two restroom buildings, tot lots and gazebos.
“This beautiful park is a wonderful addition to the community,” Valley-Wide Board of Directors President Nick Schouten said. “We are pleased to offer such a great facility in the Heritage Lake neighborhood. Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from having an opening celebration at this time, we are happy to open the park for residents to use and enjoy.”
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