After many weeks of closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, life is slowly returning back to normal as many parks are reopening today. Boat ramps, golf courses, community pools, and other recreational areas have also reopened in Palm Beach County. Also get ready all beach lovers, Palm Beach County beaches will also reopen on May 18th. So go ahead and enjoy our beautiful parks.

There are however restrictions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 as well as social distancing in place and the public is encouraged to wear masks or face coverings.

PARKS:

All public county and municipal parks and natural areas, with the exception of beach parks, are now open.

Park hours are from sunrise to sunset for walking, running, strolling, biking, and equestrian riding. In addition, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding, and bicycle rentals are permitted as long as physical distancing is practiced.

All park playgrounds, picnic pavilions, campgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, field sports, organized sports, recreational buildings, gymnasiums, and concession stands remain closed.

Basketball courts in county parks are open for individual practice only. Only three players per half court are allowed, and competitive team games are prohibited.

Phil Foster Park and Dubois Park are considered beach parks, and will therefore remain closed as long as public beaches are closed. The boat ramp at Phil Foster will be open, but not the beach.

BOATING:

For boaters wanting to take advantage of the boat ramps reopening, there are restrictions in place.

Boats must remain at least 50 feet apart at all times, boats cannot link to one another, and no gatherings of more than 10 people are allowed.

Law enforcement officers are out patrolling to make sure boaters are not anchoring at any sandbars or islands. Violators could be fined or have their boats towed.

• Boats 25 feet or less: four adult passengers maximum
• Boats 26 feet to 36 feet: six adult passengers maximum
• Boats 37 feet to 60 feet: eight adult passengers maximum
• Boats over 60 feet: 10 adult passengers maximum, not including crew members

GOLF COURSES:

The county has also set regulations for private and public golf courses.

Golfers are not allowed to touch flagsticks, only one person is allowed in each golf cart cart, and tee times are staggered.

Play is set up for walking, single-rider golf carts, or shared carts for families living in the same household.

Practice facilities, clubhouses, locker rooms, and pro shops remain closed, and all league, clinic, camp, youth, and other organized activities remain suspended.

BEACHES:

Beaches in Palm Beach County will reopen on Monday, May 18th.