Salinas and Monterey reopen playgrounds due to low Covid-19 case rate in the county.

Playgrounds and courts were restricted areas in the city of Salinas but since the case rate in Monterey County has dropped to 10.1 cases per 100,000, according to the latest report of Blueprint for a Safer Economy the 35 outdoor playgrounds reopened on Monday, March 8.  

"We recognize the important role playgrounds play in the health and wellbeing of our children. I am thrilled to hear the case rate has dropped and that we are moving to open, allowing children to get outdoors and play" said Mayor Kimbley Craig in a press release.

Playgrounds will have Covid-19 signs and include a maximum capacity for equipment.  

Those who decide to use a playground will have to adhere Covid-19 guidelines: wear a mask; maintain social distance; sanitize before and after using the equipment; and, stay away if the kids aren’t feeling well. Children must be supervised by adults to make sure they follow protocols. 

Kristan Lundquist director of  library & community services, said her staff was preparing for safe reopening of playgrounds and courts and fields. The last weekend of February the city removed hoops at El Dorado and Natividad Creek parks after sports tournaments and large gatherings were reported at different parks in Salinas. 

Large gatherings and sports tournaments are still not allowed, Lundquist said in the press release .

The city of Monterey reopened its playgrounds on March 5, however Dennis the Menace playground was excluded according to the Department of Public Health because it’s for regional use and not necessarily for the residents who live within a half mile.

Other recreational facilities will be open by permit only. On March 8 ball fields will be available and on March 15 soccer fields, beach volleyball courts, and artificial turf volleyball courts. Users will be required to follow CDPH guidelines and get a permit from Karen Larson the city's parks and recreation director.