Phoenix is starting to open back up.

On Tuesday, March 16, the Phoenix City Council approved a plan to begin to reopen its recreational outdoor facilities such as some city pools and athletic fields.

Officials began reopening ramadas and picnic tables and basketball and volleyball courts. The use of fitness equipment and sports complexes will begin in all city parks.

All other park amenities have been open since Oct. 8. All city parks, hiking trails and golf courses have maintained normal hours of operation throughout the pandemic.

“The COVID numbers are encouraging, and suggest that we are headed in the right direction,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in a statement. “From the start, we’ve made data and science-based decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of Phoenix residents.

“Today, with the decision to cautiously and carefully return to play, we are again following what the science is telling us. Yet, while we want our residents, especially children, to get out into the fresh air, we need to remember that the pandemic is not over. I encourage every individual to stay vigilant and take safety precautions including masks and physical distancing.”

Athletic field reservations and local tournaments at city facilities will resume on March 22. Tournaments and other events had been on hold since December.

Phoenix Parks and Recreation will open 12 city pools at a reduced capacity this summer. The pools include Cortez, Deer Valley, El Prado, Encanto, Falcon, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Pecos, Perry, Starlight, Sunnyslope and University.

For more information, visit Phoenix.gov/Parks