Phoenix City Council votes to reopen outdoor park amenities

PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to reopen its outdoor park amenities as COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

The facilities had been closed since early December out of caution due to high coronavirus case totals.

Residents will be able to resume making reservations for athletic fields for practices, games and local tournaments with some modifications.

“The COVID numbers are encouraging, and suggest that we are headed in the right direction,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in a press release.

Other sports complexes and courts, ramadas, picnic tables and outdoor fitness equipment will also become available for use.

Some facilities will begin reopening Wednesday. Athletic field reservations will restart Monday.

Pools and splash pads in the city, which are considered seasonal facilities, will reopen May 29.

“I am very grateful to the Phoenix Parks Department and my colleagues on the City Council for reopening outdoor parks amenities for local families and kids,” Councilman Sal DiCiccio said in a press release.

“I would love to have seen us extend the opportunity to out-of-state teams, like other cities across the Valley already have, but the most important thing is that our kids here now have a chance to get back out there and play.”

The City Council also developed a plan to limit large gathering at city facilities for Easter weekend.

Parking lots — except for those ADA accessible — will be closed the weekend of April 4.

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