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Regional, state parks still open, but with precautions

Limited day-use capacity among safety measures in place

Posted 4/13/20

Maricopa County regional parks are still open for safe recreation during these times of coronavirus precautions, and another option still is to “visit” the Arizona State Park trail system …

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Regional, state parks still open, but with precautions

Limited day-use capacity among safety measures in place

Posted

Maricopa County regional parks are still open for safe recreation during these times of coronavirus precautions, and another option still is to “visit” the Arizona State Park trail system virtually with Google Maps.

The county’s regional parks remain open and are operating with limited services and capacity limits to adhere to physical-distancing guidelines and Gov. Ducey’s Executive Orders. West Valley sites include Adobe Dam Regional Park, 23280 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale; Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant, 41402 N. 87th Ave., Peoria; Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear; Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown; and White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.

“Exercise and fresh air play an important role in keeping us healthy and everyone is anxious to get outside,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4, stated at www.maricopacountyparks.net. “However, (Maricopa County disease control division medical director Rebecca) Dr. Sunenshine and our experts at Public Health have reminded all of us that we have to be responsible about the threat of spread outdoors as well. We urge people to do their research, be responsible when seeking outdoor areas and have a backup plan in case the location they’ve selected is congested. Please don’t put yourself or others at risk.”

In addition to maintaining a minimum of six feet of safe distancing from others, other things to be aware of at Maricopa County’s regional parks during coronavirus include:

  • Park hours have changed. Mountain parks are open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and the Hassayampa River Preserve is now open Thursday through Sunday.
  • Facility closures. The nature centers, group picnic areas and park playgrounds are closed. Restrooms in closed areas remain locked. The northern entrance/area at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Goldmine Trailhead at San Tan Mountain Regional Park are also closed.
  • Camping. Primitive, shoreline or boat camping at Lake Pleasant Regional Park is prohibited. Reserved campsites are still available but residents are strongly encouraged to secure a reservation before heading to a park.
  • Limited day-use capacity. Once a park has reached limited capacity, the entrance into the park will be restricted to a one-out, one-in practice or close completely and reopen when capacity is at a safe number again. Visitors should expect delays and long lines.

“If you find yourself at a crowded trailhead or area in the park, please find an alternate location,” Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director R.J. Cardin states. “Fortunately our department manages the Maricopa Trail which is a 315-mile trail system that links our regional parks together. There are quite a few connections and trailheads from neighborhoods to the trail where you can walk your dog or take a bike ride with your family.”

Visit www.maricopacountyparks.net.

Meanwhile, at this time all recreational state parks and trails are open to the public with appropriate restrictions.

Historic parks and gift shops are closed. State parks are metering the number of people entering a park to help maintain social distancing guidelines. Expect temporary closures at busy parks and reduced parking spaces.

Residents can opt to take a virtual hike on an Arizona State Park trail with Google Maps, through spots like Flatiron and Picacho Peak, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and more.

In 2019, State Parks staff carried a heavy Google Trekker camera over 200 miles to map every trail in the state parks, and Google processed and uploaded the data to Google Earth and Maps. The information gives everyone the opportunity to take a virtual tour of a trail without having to physically climb or travel.

Visit www.azstateparks.com.