City of Camas to begin phased reopening of city parks this week

The city of Camas plans to begin a phased reopening of its city parks, starting Tuesday, May 5, with the reopening of all parking lots at city parks and trailheads, which have been closed since March 31 in an effort to minimize crowds and stem the spread of COVID-19. 

The city also will reopen bathroom facilities at Heritage Park on May 5.

According to a city press release issued this morning, city workers will sanitize the restrooms daily, but visitors are encouraged to “use restrooms sparingly and with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind.”

Other city parks facilities, including restrooms at parks other than Heritage, play structures, sports fields, sports courts and picnic shelters, remain closed. The city’s trails, grassy areas and green spaces have remained open to the public during the coronavirus pandemic. 

City leaders say they will “look to guidance from local and state health officials” before reopening other parks facilities. 

“Enjoy the open areas and trails while staying close to home to exercise, get fresh air and recreate with family members,” Camas Parks and Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson stated in the press release. “Please practice appropriate physical distancing or wear a face covering when participating in outdoor activities. Together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.”

Parks visitors are asked to avoid calling 911 to report others who are not following public health guidelines such as staying at least six feet away from non-household members. The public may call 311 to report non-emergency law enforcement issues — such as non-compliance with the statewide “stay home” order — in Camas or anywhere in Clark County. 

Instead, the city is asking parks visitors to adhere to the following: Only recreating with household members; coming prepared by bringing soap, water, hand sanitizer and a mask; and staying home if you have COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath; avoiding crowds inside the parks; being prepared to go somewhere else or come back later if a park is crowded; practicing physical distancing of at least six feet from those outside your immediate household; washing hands often; taking all garbage with you after enjoying the park; and, if possible, leaving one parking space between your vehicle and those next to you. 

For more information about the city’s response to COVID-19, visit cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19. For access to city services, visit cityofcamas.us, call 360-834-6864 or use the CamasConnect app. For support or someone to talk to, call the Camas Resource Helpline between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays, at 360-382-1300.