Solano County’s Public Health Officer has released new guidelines regarding outdoor recreation during the Shelter-In-Place. This is a great step to promote resident’s physical well-being, mental health, and the county’s economic vitality through the careful, limited phased reopening of the county, starting with areas for outdoor exercise and recreation.
Activities such as (but not limited to) walking, hiking, biking, golfing, and running are allowed, provided that social distancing guidelines are being followed. This is very exciting for those going stir-crazy in their homes during shelter-in-place policies. Now there are more options to spend outdoors exercising with your family, especially before the hottest of Solano’s summer heat sets in. Keep in mind this is not a “return to normal,” please consider your neighbors and continue to wear your facemask, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing. You can read the public notice from the Solano County Health Officer here.
A few specific guidelines for contact sports (martials arts, football, etc) and sports with shared equipment (basketball, frisbee etc) must be played with members of the same household. Countywide, the public swimming pools, BBQs, playgrounds and restrooms continue to remain closed.
At this time Solano Land Trust properties such as Lynch Canyon, Rush Ranch, and Jepson Prairie, are currently closed as the land trust is working on reopening parks in a safe and timely manner. Rockville Hills Regional Park is an exception, since the City of Fairfield has opened the park on May 7.
Local Parks
Here is a list of Solano County cities and the current status of their local parks. Keep in mind this list is rapidly evolving and can change at any time!
Throughout the entire county, restrooms, playgrounds, and BBQs remain closed.
- Benicia: Benicia State Recreation Area remains open. The Beach at Ninth Street Alvarez Park is closed. City parks and open spaces are open.
- Vallejo: The Wardlaw Bike/Skate Park next to Jesse Bethel High School is open, but the dog park remains closed. Tennis courts remain open, but basketball courts are closed due to the proximity of athletes who are playing. Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) has kept parks and open space areas open, remember to “Love your parks, six feet apart!”
- Fairfield: Rockville Hills Regional Park is open, please practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart from other visitors.
- Suisun City: City Parks remain open for jogging and exercise only. Playgrounds, sports facilities, and restrooms remain closed.
- In Vacaville: Open space and trails remain open, including Lagoon Valley Park.
- Dixon: City Parks remain open. Playgrounds and restrooms remain closed.
- Rio Vista: Sandy Beach County Park remains closed, city parks are open. Playgrounds and restrooms remain closed.
Golf Courses
For Golfers, these Solano County Golf Courses are open. It’s recommended that you pre-book your tee times as courses are limiting admittance to practice social distancing.
- Blue Rock Springs Golf Course in Vallejo: Golfers here MUST prepay and prebook ALL tee times!
- Rancho Solano & Paradise Valley Golf Courses in Fairfield: open
- Cypress Lake Golf Course in Vacaville: open
- The Gold Course at Rio Vista: open
Boaters
- Lake Solano County Park’s boat ramp is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Only the boat launch is open, day-use areas in the park are still closed.
- Sandy Beach County Park in Rio Vista is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Only the boat launch is open, day-use areas in the park are still closed.
- Belden’s Landing, Southeast of Suisun City on Grizzly Island Road, is open 24 hours.
- Suisun City Boat ramp is open, however, the harbor master’s office is closed.
- Benicia’s Ninth Street boat launch is open. Parking is reserved for those launching their boats and is restricted to vehicles with trailers only.
- Lake Chabot in Vallejo is open. You must have a boating permit and gas-powered motors are not allowed.
Greenbelt Alliance is very excited about the safe reopening of county parks and open spaces. We commend Solano County for taking these steps to help bring more Solano County residents outdoors. As we have seen both in the news and in our homes, people need a place to move, breathe, and enjoy their beautiful outdoors. This is all the more important during a pandemic, but we also want to remember to visit and support our parks once this pandemic is over.
Take Action!
Solano is the only county in the Bay Area that does not have a countywide park and open space district, which provides funding, greater access to parks and trails, and expanded stewardship for these valuable lands.
Help us establish a Solano County Park and Open Space District in just a few easy steps, starting by clicking here!
Learn More
Greenbelt Alliance has been capturing an array of ideas for nature-focused activities that you can do at home in your backyards, or outside while being socially distant, where permitted. Learn more on our Earth Day Blog.
Learn more about our work in Solano County here. For more information, please contact our Regional Representative Kevin Riley.
