West Hollywood’s parks are open again.
City Manager Paul Arevalo today issued an emergency executive order re-opening all parks, including dog parks and parklets, which have been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, those using the parks must follow certain rules to reduce the change of spreading the COVID-19 virus, which can be transmitted through the air from some who coughs, sneezes, laughs or talks.
The guidelines are as follows:
- Physical distancing of six feet between groups that are not part of the same household is required. Avoid crowded areas. Due to physical distancing requirements, organized group fitness classes and personal training sessions are not permitted in city parks.
- Face coverings are required in accordance with Executive Order 2020-3.
- Water fountains will remain closed. Members of the public are encouraged to bring water from home.
- Bathrooms will remain closed. Members of the public are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer or a zip bag with soapy water and wash cloth to wash hands before and after using the park.
- All personal items and trash must be removed before leaving the park.
To comply with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health orders, basketball courts, exercise equipment, and playgrounds will remain closed.
Signs will be posted at park entrances to notify the public of park use guidelines and to remind people not to not visit public parks if they sick or are exhibiting any symptoms of illness.
Guidelines for use of the dog parks at West Hollywood Park and Hart Park are as follows:
- Face coverings are required in accordance with Executive Order 2020-3.
- Balls, toys, and any other shared animal equipment are not permitted.
- Physical distancing of six feet between groups that are not part of the same household is required. Avoid crowded areas.
- Water stations shall remain turned off. Water and water bowls must be brought from home.
- All personal items and trash shall be removed before leaving the park.
The city approved a Resolution proclaiming a Local Emergency on March 16 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
While Los Angeles County is allowing for a phased reopening of some businesses and activities, coronavirus transmission and COVID-19 disease remain a serious risk. The city urges everyone to maintain your space, and cover your face. West Hollywood residents are encouraged to remain home as much as is practical and limit close contact with others outside of a household; always use social (physical) distancing of at least six feet; and follow city requirements for the use of face coverings in public.
Public Health officials recommend cloth face coverings so that medical-grade and N95 masks may be prioritized in the supply chain for healthcare workers and first responders. Face coverings are not required for young children under two-years-old; children between two- and eight-years-old should only wear face coverings with adult supervision; and people with certain medical conditions are exempt from this requirement.
Also, people 65 years old or older and all people of any age with underlying health conditions should remain at home whenever possible. People in these categories should only leave their residences to seek medical care, exercise, or obtain food or other necessities.
West Hollywood City Hall is currently closed to the public and has suspended all in-person transactions. Most public City buildings, playgrounds, and facilities are closed. City Hall will remain accessible for business and essential services with transactions to be conducted by phone (323) 848-6400 and via the city’s website at www.weho.org.
The City of West Hollywood coronavirus updates are available at www.weho.org/coronavirus and the city encourages community members to follow @wehocity on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram and turn on notifications for up-to-date information regarding details in the City of West Hollywood.
No bathrooms or water fountains.
Wrote to the City Manager today.
Give us our damned toilets.
Please.