Stanislaus, San Joaquin parks shut down due to coronavirus

Parks operated by both Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties have been closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Stanislaus County parks have been closed since March 20 and will remain that way until at least April 7; San Joaquin County closed its parks Monday through April 30

All camping and day-use at Woodward, Modesto, Frank Raines, and La Grange are closed as are Community Parks and public bathrooms, Stanislaus County said in a news release.

San Joaquin County parks closed include Micke Grove Regional Park in Lodi, Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton, Mossdale Crossing Regional Park in Lathrop and Regional Sports Complex in Stockton, along with day-use and campground facilities at Dos Reis Regional Park in Lathrop, Westgate Landing Regional Park in Lodi and Stillman Magee Regional Park in Clements, authorities said in a news release issued Monday.

However, Stanislaus County is not restricting usage of the parks as long as people maintain social distance. And it is not recommended that anyone use any of the playground equipment.

“The only gates we have closed are to Woodward/Modesto Reservoirs, and Frank Raines/La Grange OHV Parks,” Jaclyn Dwyer, director of parks and recreation for the county, said in an email Tuesday. “Community parks can still be accessed, but bathrooms are locked to deter communal gathering.”

Stanislaus County also has placed signs on its website and playground locations that “Playgrounds are not being disinfected and should not be used as ordered by the State of California”.

But officials realize that with the ongoing quarantine, people might still want to get out and walk through the parks.

“People will not be kicked out of our community parks, as it’s good for people to be outdoors and exercise.”

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 2:12 PM.