Since the countywide and statewide stay-at-home orders went into effect, the City of Menlo Park has taken increasingly aggressive steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

These measures include closing city buildings, adding extensive social distancing signage and monitoring usage in public places to support the health officer's order. These have been in an attempt to continue to provide open spaces for people to safely get exercise and fresh air for as long as possible.

While many people are following the health officer's order, many more continue to ignore directives and put others at risk. Signage has been damaged, team sports have continued and complaints have risen. Many community members have expressed their concerns about what they have experienced in our parks and public spaces. The City has responded by increasing signage and awareness campaigns, and closing additional recreation facilities.

San Mateo County Parks, the Stanford Dish and other regional parks and beaches are now closed due to the actions by some to ignore safety warnings. The latest health officer order now requires additional closures and limits recreational pursuits to within 5 miles of an individual's place of residence. 

The City owns and manages Bedwell Bayfront Park and has a responsibility to promote public safety in its public spaces. To this end, Bedwell Bayfront Park will close at 8 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2020, and remain closed until further notice. The entire park, including trails and parking will close. The gate to the parking lot at 1600 Marsh Road (intersection of Bayfront Expressway and Marsh Road) will be locked and no vehicles will be allowed to enter. 

At this time, other city parks remain open to allow people space to walk, run or bike through pathways, while maintaining social distancing requirements.

The San Mateo County Health Officer's latest stay-at-home order is now in effect until May 3, 2020. It contains more stringent requirements than the previous March 16 order, especially in regards to recreational activities.

Please visit smchealth.org/coronavirus for the latest health updates. For more information on actions and activities in Menlo Park, please visit menlopark.org/coronavirus. You can also sign up for notifications by visiting menlopark.org/notifyme, and selecting "Menlo Park City News" or following the city's social media channels.