SLO County closes two more parks and limits access to lakes. Here’s where and why
San Luis Obispo County officials announced new closures and limits at public parks Thursday, saying they’re observing visitors ignoring social distancing guidelines.
The county believes the measures will help limit the spread of coronavirus as it works to protect the community’s health and safety.
“While we would normally want people using our parks, we cannot allow visitors to use the parks in a way that jeopardizes the community’s health,” said County Parks Director Nick Franco in a press release. “Your cooperation and respect for physical distancing will allow us to keep the remaining parks open in a limited capacity. Please be smart and think of your community’s safety before going to the park.”
The restrictions, until further notice, include:
▪ Vehicle limits at Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake. Lopez Lake is limited to 320 vehicles, 50 of which may be trailers with boats. Santa Margarita Lake is limited to 86 vehicles, 26 of which may be trailers with boats. Any vehicles that exceed the capacity will be turned away.
▪ The closure of Los Osos Skate Park, as park visitors have not maintained a safe six feet of physical distance. The county attempted to manage the use through signage and ranger interactions, but still observed people too close together.
▪ The closure of Cave Landing Road (which leads to Pirates’ Cove in Avila Beach) and parking lot after reports of a recent large gathering violating the county’s shelter at home order. The decision was made in coordination with the Port San Luis Harbor District.
The county already has closed parking lot areas and campgrounds at park recreational sites, as well as El Chorro Park and Dairy Creek Golf Course, to create space to care for homeless individuals who test positive for COVID-19.
“County Parks may enact further restrictions as the situation evolves or if residents do not adhere to physical distancing requirements at parks,” SLO County officials said.
For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903.
A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions related to COVID-19.
To report a business violating the shelter at home order, call (805) 788-2222.
%20Cropped.jpg)