Last night, April 30th, during an emergency meeting of Charleston City Council, Mayor John Tecklenburg announced that most city parks will reopen this weekend to allow for exercise and movement. No group activities–such as picnics or exercise classes–or close contact court and field sports are allowed.
Daniel Island parks and trails will reopen on Friday, May 1, 2020, but all playgrounds and exercise stations will remain closed consistent with the City of Charleston’s directive. The pier at Waterfront Park will remain closed due to ongoing construction activity.
Below is information provided to us by the City of Charleston:
Citizens must maintain proper social distancing and should consider wearing face masks while using any parks and trails.
City of Charleston staff from Recreation, Livability, Traffic and Transportation and Charleston Police Departments will be working to ensure that all citizens abide by the rules of safety and social distancing. The city will continue to use signage to ensure public compliance.
Restrooms, stationary playground and exercise equipment, dog runs, docks, piers and areas that encourage close contact sports will remain closed until health officials determine that those areas can be safely used.
No permits will be issued for reserved park usage at this time. All indoor recreation facilities will continue to be closed to the public. All recreation programs and activities are still postponed at this time.
City of Charleston director of Parks Jason Kronsberg said, “City staff will be out in parks acting as ambassadors and ensuring that everyone is following rules of social distancing. There will be no large groups allowed to gather and socialize. Citizens using the parks will need to continue to move along and not stay in one area.”
Below is a graphic regarding social distancing in public parks provided by the National Recreation and Park Association:
