State parks close parking lots to limit crowds, slow coronavirus spread

A second weekend of California residents heading to state parks despite orders to shelter in place has prompted the state Department of Parks and Recreation to further restrict access to its open spaces.

After “visitation surges” at many state-run parks on Saturday, the agency announced it was temporarily closing vehicle access at all 280 state parks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It previously allowed walk-in access to state parks and trails and asked people to practice social distancing while outdoors.

But this weekend’s outings “made it impossible for the public to implement appropriate social/physical distancing practices,” the state said in its announcement.

State Parks has implemented several safety measures in the past two weeks, including temporarily closing all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers, canceling events, and now prohibiting vehicle traffic at parks and beaches.

Sonoma County authorities had already closed all parks within county borders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

That came last week after hordes of people disregarded stay-at-home orders and frolicked in Sonoma Coast beaches and parks, many not adhering to the recommended social distancing of six feet to be safer when out in public.