Believing that physical and mental health are important, the city of Rancho Cucamonga is reopening recreational facilities Friday, May 1, at all of its parks, the city announced.
Ranch Cucamonga will open all outdoor basketball and tennis courts for residents, as long as players cover their faces and maintain at least 6 feet of distance between them, the city said.
Playground equipment remains taped off and closed for use Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Day Creek Park in Rancho Cucamonga. Tennis courts and basketball courts within Rancho Cucamonga officially reopen Friday, May 1, while playground apparatus will remain closed. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Jodean Milan, 11, returns a volley as she practices her tennis skills with her father Michael, Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Day Creek Park in Rancho Cucamonga. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
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Visitors return to their vehicles following their hike in the North Etiwanda Preserve which has reopened in the county area of Rancho Cucamonga Thursday, April 30, 2020. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
On May 8, the city is scheduled to reopen its skate park located at Los Amigos Park, 8627 Madrone Ave.
“We encourage you to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Exercising is good for both your physical and mental health,” the city said in a community update posted on its website.
The North Etiwanda Preserve near Rancho Cucamonga also is open for hikers, walkers and bicyclists. Dogs, horses, gatherings and camping are not allowed. This nature area, located at 4887 Etiwanda Ave., is operated by the county of San Bernardino, which has reopened many parks and recreation spots.
In the preserve, winter and spring rains have brought forth the first signs of spring wildflowers, such as thistles and milkweed.
“The return is slowly beginning,” the city wrote in its COVID-19 Update released on Tuesday. “Theodore Roosevelt said, ‘Believe you can and you are halfway there.’ We are halfway there.”
Playgrounds are still off-limits, as are picnic shelters and tables, Jennifer Camacho Curtis, city spokesperson, said Thursday.
For those who don’t play tennis and/or basketball, the city is offering virtual recreational exploring through its website cityofrc.us, which features access to TED Talks and at-home nature activities.
Each jurisdiction is treating safer-at-home orders differently:
• San Bernardino National Forest: All developed sites, such as picnic areas, restrooms and parking lots remain closed through May 15, the U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday. However, the forest is open to walk-ins. Trails, trailheads and general forest areas are accessible to the public. “Outdoor recreation can be beneficial to mental and physical health but must be practiced safely,” the Forest Service wrote in a release.
• City of Upland: City parks and the Euclid Bridle Trail are open. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Park playgrounds and gathering areas are closed. The Upland Gibson Senior Center and the Upland Public Library are closed through May 15.
• City of Montclair: All parks are closed. No park facilities are open. People are allowed to walk through the park only.
• City of Ontario: All parks, green spaces and dog parks are open for passive recreational use only. Tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and sports fields remain closed. The Whispering Lakes Golf Course is taking reservations by calling 909-923-3673 (no walk-ons). Golfers must wear masks and keep 6 feet apart. For a virtual experience, visit the city’s Virtual Community Life & Culture Resource Center for fitness videos, games, science experiments, arts and crafts and a kids’ storytime.