Crowded parks expected due to beach closures during Labor Day Weekend

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Richard Crain and his buddies don’t mind the beach being closed this Labor Day weekend.

They’ve got their plans all figured out at Preisker park.

"We’re going to play disc golf ... 18 holes ... we got 18 baskets out here and it takes generally three shots to get to them ... most of the time we have a great time trying to get there in three shots," said Crain.

Those beach closures have managers at Santa Maria's Recreation and Parks Department expecting a lot of people out joining Crain and his friends.

"You know if people can’t go to the beaches in Santa Barbara County they’re gonna want to come to our parks and so they’re gonna want to use our trails ... they’re gonna want to come out here and play frisbee and they’re gonna want to come out here and do the things that they would otherwise do at the beach," said assistant director Brett Fulgoni with the Rec and Parks Department.

So city rangers are ramping up to be ready at all Santa Maria parks.

"We want people to enjoy but also be aware that COVID-19 is still here and be smart about your decisions so that we can hopefully keep the numbers down," said Senior Park Services Officer Casey Stone with the City of Santa Maria.

While organized sports games are not allowed at the parks, managers with the Rec and Parks Department say it’s okay to practice with ten people or less.

Crain plans to celebrate Labor Day with just four or five of his friends.
"Well that’s one of the things you look forward to especially when you get older you want to stay healthy so you take precautions so you can stay healthy."