By Lookout Staff

October 8, 2020 -- A dozen Santa Monica playgrounds will reopen six months after they were shuttered during the coronavirus lock down, City officials announced Wednesday.

The reopening comes one week after Los Angeles County officials gave cities the go-ahead to open the playgrounds as long as health protocols are followed.

“We are excited to welcome families back to playgrounds across the City," said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg. "We ask for everyone’s cooperation in following the guidelines and posted signage so that we can get outside and play safely.”

The playgrounds slated for reopening are those at Airport, Clover, Gandara, Joslyn, Marine, Memorial, Reed, Tongva and Virginia Avenue parks.

Also opening Friday are the North Beach Playground, where the slide will remain closed, and the South Beach Universally Accessible Playground.

"All visitors must comply with all guidelines listed, and fully accept they are using the playground and surrounding area at their own risk," City officials said.

To use the park, all children older than two and accompanying adults must wear face coverings at all times and maintain six feet of distance from members of other households, officials said.

No eating or drinking is allowed in the playground area "to ensure face masks are worn at all times."

"Individuals with underlying medical conditions should avoid the playground when others are present," officials said.

Adult team sports, competitions and spectator events are prohibited.

"The City’s Public Works teams have been hard at work evaluating equipment, replacing materials, pressure washing the grounds, and installing signage with guidance for a safe experience for visitors," City officials said.

Playgrounds without nearby restrooms or in need additional maintenance will not open until it is safe to do so.

These playgrounds are at the Annenberg Community Beach House; Euclid, Ishihara and Ozone parks, and at Ocean Park Beach.

Schoolyards at Edison, Franklin, Grant, McKinley, Roosevelt and Will Rogers are open to the public on weekday afternoons and weekends through a partnership with the District.

Muscle Beach and park outdoor exercise equipment remain closed, although they are slated to reopen soon, City officials said.

Additional available recreational amenities are listed here