MA Recreation: Parks, Beaches, Courts, More Opening Memorial Day

MASSACHUSETTS — On Memorial Day, parks, zoos, boating areas and some sports courts can open again as part of the state's four-phase reopening plan.

Gatherings of more than 10 people are still not permitted, and the state is asking that residents cover their faces when they cannot maintain a distance at least 6 feet from others in public for all the activities listed in phase one, Gov. Charlie Baker announced on May 18. Close-contact activities, such as pickup sports games, should be avoided, he said. But public bathrooms and concession stands can be reopened with some specific guidance on disinfecting them.

The state issued industry-specific safety standards for every reopening sector.

Walking, hiking, biking, running and things like yoga and tai chi are allowed in parks and on public paths. According to the guidelines, users should move aside and leave room for others to pass, and cyclists and runners should alert other users when approaching and wait for others to step aside before passing.

Athletic fields and athletic courts can reopen, but only for non-contact sports that don't use shared equipment. Pickup games, organized games or tournaments still won't be allowed. If using courts, users are expected to sanitize their hands before and after use. And anyone waiting to use the courts should stay off the court until the people using it have cleaned up and left, to avoid contamination.

Picnic and grill areas will be closed if social distancing can't be maintained and sanitizing
protocols cannot be performed between use, according to the guidelines

Beaches will be open, but the state encourages people to maintain at least 6 feet distance from each other, but at least 12 feet from the next group of people hanging out on the beach. Shuttle services to the beaches are not yet open.

The state recommends packing in and out your own trash. If you're using public bathrooms, know that the facilities have to be cleaned at least once daily by staff and perform deep cleaning and disinfection services at least once per week and should follow the EEA COVID-19 Outdoor Recreation Facility Restroom Cleaning Best Practices. And if you see a bathroom that's not open, it might be because it's a composting toilet, which now have to be "permanently" closed to be replaced with portable restrooms with daily cleanings.

If you were thinking about taking a trip to the zoo or outdoor wildlife reserve, nature center and botanical gardens, the order provides that buildings be closed to the public and admission be capped at not more than 20 percent of overall outdoor capacity.

You're gonna have to wait a bit longer before you can let the kiddos have at the playground or climbing structures, rides, shows, group programming, interpretative demonstrations, events or parties at these places. The state said these are a no-go.

The following are permitted to open on May 25 as long as they follow state guidelines:

• Beaches;
• Parks;
• Drive-in movie theaters;
• Select athletic fields and courts;
• Many outdoor adventure activities;
• Most fishing, hunting, and boating;
• Outdoor gardens, zoos, reserves, and public installations.

More reopening coverage:

• MA Reopening: Roadmap Detailed, Businesses Given Dates
• Hair Care, Other Services Can Resume May 25: MA Reopening
• MA Houses Of Worship To Reopen: See The New Rules
• Manufacturing, Construction In MA To Reopen Under These Rules
• MA Child Care To Expand, Summer Camps Can Reopen In Later Phases

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, opinion piece.