San Mateo County closes parks to prevent COVID-19 spread

San Mateo County Parks announced on March 27, 2020, that it's closing all parks as of 6 p.m. Friday in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. San Mateo County Parks announced on March 27, 2020, that it's closing all parks as of 6 p.m. Friday in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Photo: San Mateo County Photo: San Mateo County Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close San Mateo County closes parks to prevent COVID-19 spread 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

San Mateo County Parks announced Friday evening that it's closing all parks as of 6 p.m. today in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"The action was taken due to influx of people driving to parks and congregating on trails thus preventing social distancing and safe use of park trails at this time," officials said in a statement.

San Mateo County Parks manages 23 parks and was keeping 17 open as of this week.

“The decision to close parks is not easy, especially now when people are looking for outdoor experiences, but the safety of San Mateo County residents must always be a priority. In that spirit, we had to take this action,” said San Mateo County Parks Director Nicholas Calderon. “We know that parks and trails are a valuable community resource. Almost 3 million people visit San Mateo County Parks annually.”

San Francisco's Recreation and Park Department announced Thursday night that parking lots at the Marina Green, Ocean Beach and the Beach Chalet are closing.

This news comes after the city's outdoor spaces were packed last weekend even though the city is under a shelter-in-place order asking residents to stay home and socially distance themselves from others when they go outside.

Many photos were shared on social media showing beaches around the Bay Area, including Stinson and Dillon beaches in Marin County, filled with people. In response, Marin County closed all its park on Sunday.

Point Reyes National Seashore also closed many of its trails and beaches after last weekend. On Friday, the park announced additional closures.

All motorized access to roads and parking lots has been closed to the public including: Bear Valley, Palomarin, Five Brooks, Abbotts Lagoon, Tomales Point at the elk reserve, North Beach, South Beach, and the Headlands Area including Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse.

The following Golden Gate National Recreation sites are also closed in San Francisco:

• Baker Beach parking

• West Bluff parking

• Long Avenue parking

• Battery East parking

• Langdon Court parking

• Navy Memorial parking

• Merrie Way parking

• Sloat Boulevard parking at Ocean Beach

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Amy Graff is a digital editor. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.