[Archived] City of Alexandria Urges Public to Follow Park Guidelines to Slow Spread of COVID-19

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2020

All unfenced City of Alexandria parks, trails and fields remain open to the public to provide opportunities for safe, physically distant exercise. The City and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) believe that access to outdoor exercise is crucial to maintaining both the physical and mental health of our community. When visiting parks, take the following steps based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others. 
• Don’t visit parks if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
• Don’t visit crowded parks.
• Don’t use playgrounds.
• Don’t participate in group activities or sports.
• Follow guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To encourage physical distancing and slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the City and the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) have implemented the following service adjustments:

• All recreation, nature and art centers are closed.
• All activities, events and private rentals are canceled.
• All reservations and registrations are suspended.
• All public playgrounds are closed.
• All public sport courts, fenced fields, fenced dog parks, outdoor fitness stations, restrooms and parking lots are closed.
• Transient boater access to City Marina piers is prohibited (open to license holders only).

AHD has recommended these changes because public areas have continued to attract groups of more than 10 people despite Governor Northam’s ban on gatherings. Physical distancing -- including avoiding gatherings and maintaining at least 6 feet of personal space whenever possible -- is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus. Visit alexandriava.gov/ParkLink to view the current operating status of park amenities.

Although the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority has temporarily allowed licensed restaurants and bars to sell beer, wine and mixed drinks for carryout and delivery, the Alexandria City Code still prohibits carrying open containers of alcohol in public, including parks. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation for updates about service adjustments. 

For more information about the COVID-19 coronavirus and how you can help protect yourself and those around you, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 hotline at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virginia residents can also call the Virginia Department of Health public information line, 877.ASK.VDH3, for questions about the novel coronavirus situation. If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, call or text 911.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Craig Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.