San Mateo County Parks closed all 23 parks and trails it manages at 6 p.m. today until further notice in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A “surge” in visitors last weekend amid the shelter-in-place order prompted the decision. Before the decision, officials had planned to keep 17 of the parks open this weekend.
“During the past 11 days, park staff observed many visitors ignoring the Shelter In Place Order by driving to parks, congregating in groups and not maintaining six-feet of social distancing,” the County said in a statement.
“The decision to close parks is not easy, especially now when people are looking for outdoor experiences, but the safety of San Mateo County residents must always be a priority,” San Mateo County Parks Director Nicholas Calderon said.
Entrance gates are locked and “Park Closed” signs are posted at park and trail entrances, and park staff will be patrolling the parks.
