This past weekend, many in the community expressed concerns about the crowd of visitors who spent time in Huntington Beach without practicing safe social distancing behavior.  Of note, these social distancing violations of the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Executive Order occurred at our beaches, our Pier, and other outdoor recreational amenities.  While the City prides itself on providing access to world-class amenities, our first priority remains the health and safety of the community.  To that end, given the challenges associated with social distancing at certain amenities, the City will be closing the Pier and outdoor active recreational amenities, beginning March 24 until further notice.

The closures identified are being coordinated to discourage public gatherings and to restrict access to certain community amenities at locations like our Pier, where the physical infrastructure makes social distancing challenging.  An overview of the facilities that the City will be closing include the following:

  • Huntington Beach Pier
  • Playground Equipment
  • Picnic Areas
  • All Sports Fields and Courts
  • The Dog Park located within Central Park

Additional amenities may be added to the closure list in the coming days as the City continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation.  All facility closures will be posted on the City’s new COVID-19 website, www.HBready.com. 

Enhanced Public Safety Education and Enforcement Measures

In addition to facility closures, the City is also instituting enhanced public safety education and enforcement measures.  First, updated social distancing signage has been developed and posted throughout the beach, and additional signage will be posted at City parks during this coming week. 

Furthermore, the City’s Police Department has instituted enhanced patrols of high-impact areas in the community, and police officers are increasing educational and enforcement efforts for those violating the State’s Stay-At-Home Order.  This includes enforcement action against businesses who operate in violation of the Governor’s Order.  Violations of these new State regulations can result in enforcement action as permitted by Government Code 8665.  In addition, the Police Department asks the community to be accountable for their actions and practice social distancing, so our Public Safety resources can be more efficiently deployed throughout the City.

Beaches and Parks Remain Open, As City Emphasizes Social Distancing Responsibility

Lastly, City beaches and parks, along with the State beaches in Huntington Beach, will remain open to the public.  This decision is being made with consideration given to State directives,

including the decision to keep State beaches open, and the Governor’s pronouncement that individuals should continue to exercise and maintain their mental and physical health. 

However, during this unprecedented time, the ability to leave your home also requires that each individual take extreme personal responsibility to ensure compliance with social distancing measures.  Per the Governor’s Executive Order, this means that individuals should keep at least 6 feet away from others when outdoors. 

The City will continue to closely monitor all aspects related to the COVID-19 situation, and if the situation changes, we will certainly adjust our approach at the City.  In the meantime, we’re encouraging everyone to stay calm, stay strong, and remember that we’ll get through this together… as One HB.

To request more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.HBready.com or call our COVID-19 call center at (714) 536-5511.