Even though Portland’s city parks, natural areas, trails and golf courses remain open to the public, people still must actively practice social distancing, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) said in a statement Tuesday.
While Oregon’s federal and state parks have closed during the coronavirus outbreak, city parks have widely remained open.
For spaces open to the public, visitors must maintain at least 6 feet of distance between other people, PP&R said.
In order to assist with that, PP&R said it would deploy “park greeters” starting this week in response to increasing crowds at city parks and golf courses as the weather improves. The employees will “educate the public about how to use their park system safely and to explain what facilities are open or closed.”
The agency said park rangers are already at some sites “informing the public on safe social distancing in high traffic areas and addressing issues as they arise.”
PP&R said it has posted signs at parks and trailheads sharing public health guidance. It also gives general guidance such as washing your hands before and after visiting a public space and wearing a face covering while out in public.
Places where achieving 6 feet of social distancing is more difficult — such as playgrounds, sports courts and skate parks — have been closed since March 23 at the direction of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, PP&R said.