San Mateo County sports courts reopening as COVID-19 restrictions ease

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Easing of COVID-19 public health restrictions earlier this week have led to some easing of restrictions at various sports courts in San Mateo County.

In Redwood City, all tennis courts and dog parks are expected to be open Friday, June 26, but some are already open now, parks officials say. Two tennis court locations in Redwood City will reopen to everyone today: Red Morton and Dolphin Tennis Courts. Those courts had been open on a reservations-only basis to Redwood City residents since June 1. The Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park in the city is now open from dawn until dusk. All playgrounds and picnic areas remain closed per the health order, the city said.

In San Mateo, dog parks are now open, are bocce and basketball courts (although basketball courts are to be used only by people within the same household), according to City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation. Al tennis courts will be available without reservations starting Thursday, June 18. Based on positive community feedback, ‪starting Friday, June 26‬, reservations for Central and Beresford Courts will be available between 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with open play resuming in the afternoons.  Fields are open for passive use, meaning no team sports or pick-up games allowed. Park parking lots reopened with the exception of Ryder Park, Upper Beresford Park and South Parkside Aquatic Park.

In Belmont, a slower reopening. While parks are open, sports courts, playgrounds, dog parks, picnic tables and restrooms remain closed, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department said.

As of June 15, the San Mateo County Parks Department has reopened 17 of its 23 parks. Parks that remain closed include Friendship Park, Moss Beach Park, Sanchez Adobe, Tunitas Creek Beach and Woodside Store. At Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, trails and restroom are open, but the tidepools are closed. At open parks, playgrounds, picnics and visitor centers remain closed. See a list of open parks here.