Parks Fully Reopen In Hillsborough County: Officials

BRANDON, FL — As Monday is the first day of school for students going face-to-face in Hillsborough County, it's also the first day for parks to fully reopen since March.

All playgrounds, splash pads, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks reopen on Monday in Hillsborough County, officials said.

County parks had been closed since late March due to coronavirus concerns.

Even as parks gradually reopened over the summer, playgrounds, splash pads and skateboard parks remained off limits.

The decision to reopen those amenities was made after consultation with health officials, emergency managers and Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation staff, a news release said.

County officials ask that residents continue to practice social distancing at any park areas, and to wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible.

The reopenings align with Hillsborough County’s overall efforts to restore services in the wake of the pandemic, gradually and methodically, based on the data and input of public health experts.

The primary focus the county says remains public safety.