A number of amenities are now open for public use at county parks as Northern Virginia enters phase two of the COVID-19 reopening plan today (Friday).
Athletic fields, basketball courts, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and other amenities will be open, but with the following restrictions in place:
Athletic Fields – Athletic fields will open for organized and permitted use based on the governor’s and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines pertaining to use of athletic fields.
Basketball Courts – Outdoor courts will open, but users must stay 10 feet apart.
Volleyball Courts – Outdoor courts will open, but users must stay 10 feet apart.
Dog Parks – Dog parks will open with users urged to maintain social distancing.
Marinas – Marinas will open for rentals at lakefront and riverfront parks.
Mini-golf – Miniature golf courses will open at all locations, except Jefferson District Park (due to construction).
Restrooms – Permanent outdoor restrooms and portable restrooms will open systemwide. We encourage visitors to bring hand sanitizer since these facilities are often without running water.
Picnic Shelters – Shelters within parks will open for permitted use with 50% capacity of regular occupancy limits, not to exceed 50 people.
Playgrounds – Playgrounds will open systemwide including Clemyjontri Park and Chessie’s Big Backyard at Lee District Park. There is no special cleaning; visitors should use at their own risk and must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Currently, recreation centers and other Fairfax County Park Authority facilities remain closed, including nature centers, pools and historic sites. The county is expected to allow more openings when the state enters phase three.
FCPA staff have begun implementing the changes at several facilities. Implementation of the latest openings could take several weeks.
In the Town of Herndon, dogs and playgrounds opened today, but restrooms and basketball courts remain closed. No special cleaning will be conducted of any playgrounds in the town or the county.
File photo
Family splash tonight at Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center — Drop-in for a night of family fun at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. The entry fee is $13 for Reston residents and $26 for all others. Groups of six or more must pre-register. [Reston Regional Library]
Off to the jungle — Reston’s Gin Dance Company has been invited to perform at the 18th DUMBO Dance Festival, a prestigious dance festival in New York City. It’s the second year the modern dance company will perform at the festival. [The Connection]
New school sexual misconduct policy — The Fairfax County School Board adopted a new policy yesterday that attempts to reform institutional cultures and address the underlying causes of sexual misconduct. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
A stronger second half — The South Lakes volleyball team is looking for a stronger second half. What does that mean exactly? [The Connection]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Volunteers Enhance Safety at Fellowship House —Â Nearly two dozen volunteers gathered at the Hunter Woods Fellowship House in Reston on Nov. 11 to make bathrooms in the 222-unit apartment complex more accessible. [Fairfax County Times]
Holiday Performances on The Promenade Announced — Reston Town Center will feature outdoor musical performances on The Promenade, including the Northern Virginia Ukulele Society at noon on Dec. 17, Catchin’ Toads at 3 p.m. on Dec. 17 and Tenor Tim McKee at noon on Dec. 23. [Reston Town Center]
Local Group Celebrates 50 Years of Volleyball in Reston — The group, Hickory Volleyball, was founded in 1967 by longtime Restonian Philip Lilienthal, founder and president of Global Camps Africa. [Fairfax County Times]
Safety Tips for Displaying Christmas Trees — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department suggests reviewing Electronic Safety Foundation International’s tips on how to display Christmas trees in your home. [The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
