City of Goleta closes courts and group picnic areas to help stop the spread of COVID-19
GOLETA, Calif. - The City of Goleta announced on Friday that it has taken additional measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community by closing basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball courts as well as group picnic areas throughout the City.
These closures come soon after the closures of skate parks, playground equipment and public exercising equipment citywide.
To help enforce the City’s new restrictions, fencing has been installed around the skatepark located at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park and nets were removed from all basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts throughout the City. Tennis courts have also been locked.
Fencing has now been installed at group picnic areas. Signs were posted in the areas and all other impacted sites indicating the closures.
The City said there will be an increase of Goleta Police presence in the areas of closed sites as well to help enforce their closures and prevent violations.
“We tend to see more people gathering in parks and neighborhoods on the weekends and want to remind our community members to not get complacent. As tempting as it may be to have a gathering outdoors, experts tell us that COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate and can easily spread to extended families and strangers. They recommend that you go out to get some fresh air with people in your own household and please choose an area where you can still practice social distancing,” said Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte.
Goleta also asks that community members follow the City’s Municipal Code requiring dogs to be on a leash while in a public space unless otherwise posted. This includes the Elwood Bluffs.
As a reminder, the stay at home order for California issued by Governor Newsom urges people to stay home as much as possible. People can go out for essential needs such as food, healthcare needs, to care for a relative or friend and to get fresh air by going for a walk, run or bike ride alone or with those you live with.
You can learn more about the Governor's stay at home order here.
