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City Parks and Open Space Areas Remain Open for Activity and Fun

The City of Longmont’s many parks and open space areas remain open for visitors to access during this time. Get out, get active, and have fun, while keeping in mind Gov. Polis’ executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.
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This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.




The City of Longmont’s many parks and open space areas remain open for visitors to access during this time. In fact, we encourage you to get out and enjoy these areas while maintaining the recommended six-foot social distancing between groups.

With 41 community parks, neighborhood parks, nature areas, dog parks, and greenways, and almost 100 miles of trails, there are more than 2,240 acres of room to spread out and enjoy. Get active, have fun, and please keep in mind Gov. Jared Polis’
executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.

The following guidelines are intended to help make your park experience a more positive one for you, your family and other park users.

  • Please be aware that visitors are responsible for their own sanitation of playground equipment and other park amenities at this time.
  • Consider other uses of park areas beyond the playgrounds. This might include running races or setting up temporary, removable obstacle courses in a grassy space; practicing hopping, balancing or jumping; playing games like I Spy or digital scavenger hunts (taking photos of items rather than picking them up); or riding bikes on local trails.
  • Know that some park restrooms are not yet open. Many restrooms at City parks, trails and open space areas are closed from October to April to prevent damage to above-ground
    plumbing. Find details on parks restrooms that are open now, those planned to open soon and those opening later in the spring.
  • Open public park restrooms will be cleaned twice daily. However, visitors are encouraged to bring their own soap or hand sanitizer, as the City cannot guarantee we will be able to provide these items at all times.
  • Report damage to parks or restrooms in need of extra attention. Submit an online request 24/7 at ServiceWorks.LongmontColorado.gov, or call us between 8 am and 5 pm Monday-Friday at 303-651-8416.

Additionally, the National Recreation and Park
Association offers these recommendations for maintaining safe social distancing while in parks or on trails.
  • Follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails: wash your hands thoroughly, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
  • Maintain CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people at all times. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike, hike or play.
  • Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
  • Note that some public restrooms are closed: be prepared before you
    leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
  • Bring water or drinks; public drinking fountains should not be used, even if operable.
  • Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Consider a visit to one of Longmont’s parks and open space areas today!

Social Distancing in Public Parks and Trails - graphic repeats NRPA tips from story along with cyclist riding one way while a woman walks a dog the other way along a waterfront area

Image title: COVID-19: Social Distancing in Public Parks and Trails

Cartoon-style image shows man on bike riding to the left, while a woman walks a dog to the
right, with a public bench and additional space between them. A body of water, trees and outlines of buildings are shown in the background.

Above their heads are graphics connected by a circling dotting line of a head coughing with virus particles around, a portable toilet, and a ringing bell. Five messages appear along the dotted line:

Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.

Follow CDC's guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.

Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.

Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass.

Observe CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other persons at all times.

Graphic used with permission from National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).