Outdoor Facilities in Alexandria Reopened as NOVA Enters Phase Two

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, June 12, marks the start of the second phase of reopening in Northern Virginia. Most outdoor facilities – including playgrounds, trails, parks, dog parks – can be used by the public again. All facilities are expected to be open for use by Monday, June 15. This excludes playgrounds, basketball courts, and fields on Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) property. ACPS will determine the opening dates of those sites.

The playground at Charles Houston Recreation Center will remain closed for continued repairs.

A city outdoor facility should still be considered closed if signs are posted indicating closure, doors and fences are locked, the area is taped off, or is blocked by barricade.

Playground Opening and Safety

Playgrounds are opening earlier than expected as a result of updated safety guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)..View the guidelines HERE.

It is advised that people use caution if they choose to visit a playground because playgrounds often attract crowds. Crowds, combined with the close proximity of the equipment, can make social distancing practices difficult.

There is still community spread of the coronavirus, so the Alexandria Health Department has issued a warning about touching contaminated objects. Residents are asked to weigh the benefits and risks of visiting playgrounds. Yes, there are opportunities for exercise. But children and adults can both contract the illness, spread it to vulnerable family members, become severely ill, or even die.

It is noted in a city press release that although washing hands frequently and wearing a face mask can help prevent virus spread, it is not feasible for city workers to clean and disinfect all equipment after use.

Be safe out there, Alexandria!

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