Athletic Fields Reopen June 20 For Youth Sports Teams With Permit

SILVER SPRING, MD — Low-contact youth sports teams can resume outdoor practices beginning June 20, Montgomery Parks said.

The decision was made by health and park leadership, as part of Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich's Reopening Phase I Plan. Provisions for use of Montgomery Parks' athletic fields are in line with guidance from the Maryland Department of Health's Interim Guidance for Limited Outdoor Youth Sports and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for youth sports.

Teams must obtain a permit to use the athletic fields. Athletic field permit-only practice begins June 20.

Outdoor fields will be open:

• Mondays through Fridays (12-8 p.m.)
• Saturdays and Sundays (9 a.m.-8 p.m.)

"We know kids are eager to get back to playing sports. We are pleased to begin permitting some of Montgomery Parks athletic fields for youth practice as we enter Phase 1," said Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley. "To keep the kids safe, a permit will be required to conduct youth practice, and those permits will require compliance with all Maryland Department of Health and CDC guidelines for youth sports.

To request a reservation for an athletic field permit, league managers must obtain an athletic field permit by visiting ActiveMontgomery or by emailing CUPF@montgomerycoutymd.gov.

Registration will open 8 a.m. on June 13 and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Those without a permit can access the athletic fields, provided they are in groups of 10 or less and follow social distancing guidelines. Non-permitted users, however, must give up the field to permit holders.

Athletic fields cost $6 an hour. Portable restrooms are only cleaned intermittently, so users are encouraged to find fields close to their homes for access to their private bathrooms.