Ventura eases restrictions at local parks and beaches

VENTURA, Calif. - Local parks and beaches in the City of Ventura will soon have fewer restrictions.

The Ventura City Council unanimously voted to ease limited closure restrictions, which includes access to its parks, beaches, the Promenade, Pier, public restrooms, and select parking lots.

For the last several weeks, Ventura’s parks and beaches have been open for active recreational use, like walking, swimming, and surfing.

Beginning on May 29, these areas will open for passive use, such as sitting and sunbathing.

This will be in effect as long as the public maintains a safe physical distance of six feet and avoids congregating in large groups outside of their immediate household.

Group activities such as volleyball, football, soccer, and other contact sports are not allowed.

Public bathrooms and parking lots will also gradually reopen, starting with the Harbor Boulevard parking structure at the Pier. The bathrooms will be cleaned daily.

"As we move forward on a path to reopening safely, the City Council approved easing restrictions for our parks and beaches based on public health guidance and in support of our partnering public agencies at the State and County of Ventura," said Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere. "Now, open space guidelines at all parks and beaches throughout the area will share a common education message and encourage the same guidelines to be followed."

Playgrounds, pools, courts, indoor facilities like museums and visitor centers, and sports and recreational fields will remain closed until further notice.

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