Parents of wound up, cooped up, hyperactive kids may get some relief: Playgrounds in the City of Alexandria will be open by Monday, June 15.
City of Alexandria officials said Friday that they will be opening outdoor amenities — including parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, fields, dog parks, restrooms, parking lots, park roadways, and most sport courts.
This is much earlier than originally planned. When the original Alexandria Parks and Recreation reopening schedule was released, playgrounds were to remain closed until the third phase of the "Forward Virginia" state plan.
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance. That guidance reminds parents that "SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread when young children touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth."
It is critical to maintain physical distance from people you do not live with, and washing hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is very, very important. Wearing a face covering will also help.
Playgrounds on public school grounds may not open until ACPS takes action to do so.
The playground at the Charles Houston Recreation Center will remain closed to complete repairs.
"An amenity should be considered closed if it still has signs indicating closure, locked gates or doors, temporary fencing or tape, or barricades," according to a release.
The City of Alexandria also reminds residents of the following information:
The Alexandria Health Department reminds everyone there is still community spread of COVID-19. Children can catch the virus when they touch contaminated objects and then touch their mouths, noses or eyes, as well as when they have close contact with others who may have the virus. Each family must weigh the risks and benefits of going out in public, and of using public equipment. Risks include contracting the illness and becoming severely ill, as well as the potential for spreading the virus among family and household members who may be at high risk (for example, those 65 and older and with underlying medical conditions). Benefits include the physical, mental and emotional rewards of getting outdoors and being physically active.
Families should use playgrounds and parks only if they are not sick. They should frequently use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. In accordance with CDC guidance, AHD reminds everyone that face coverings are essential when physical distancing is not possible, but they should not be used by children younger than 2 years of age or by anyone who has trouble breathing. AHD advises families to only use parks and playgrounds that are not crowded. Based on guidance from Executive Order 65 for fitness and exercise equipment, families using parks and playgrounds are advised to always remain 10 feet apart from those outside their household, and to clean and disinfect playground equipment before and after each use. It is not practical for the City to disinfect playground equipment between each user.
For additional information about phased recreation reopenings, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation.
