Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Trails Closed

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced on Monday that all of the county’s trails controlled by the county’s parks and recreation department have been closed.

Because of overcrowding this weekend, we’ve decided to close our County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation trails,” Barger wrote on Monday. “Please remember, you’re safer at home. For exercise and fresh air, please stick to walks in your neighborhood, avoid going in large groups, and stay six feet apart.”

In Pasadena, a city official said early  Tuesday morning that trails inside Pasadena, as well as the Rose Bowl loop, remain open for now.

Earlier on Sunday, local officials were urging the public to follow social distancing guidelines when enjoying the outdoors after some large crowds were seen at Southland beaches and hiking trails during California’s first weekend under a “stay-at-home” order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Several communities were forced to shutter trails and beaches this past weekend due to large crowds, including areas in Santa Monica and Long Beach.

“Today is not the day to go to the beach,” said Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole in a statement. “We urge our residents to avoid any public spaces where social distancing is a challenge.”

Santa Monica closed its beach parking lots. All parks, trails and facilities owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy have been closed to the public until further notice.

In a live-streamed remote news conference, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said that in consultation with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the city is closing the Venice boardwalk, beach parking lots and all organized group sports.

He reminded people to keep practicing social distancing, to stand at least six feet away from others. It’s a technique, he said, that will not only keep you safe but it will protect your love ones and others as well.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia tweeted. The city then closed sports facilities in city parks and beaches and asking the community to not gather in open spaces.