So what Portsmouth parks, recreation areas can you visit?
Town extends executive order through June 5
PORTSMOUTH — State parks will begin to open on Saturday, May 9, with social distancing rules still in effect.
That includes two state parks in Portsmouth: The Black Regiment Monument at Patriots Park, and Lehigh High Grove.
As for town parks and recreation sites, here’s what you need to know if you’re planning on enjoying the outdoors this weekend:
First off, all Portsmouth playgrounds are still closed until further notice.
Most parks and beaches are open, however. All patrons are mandated to comply with social distancing guidelines established by Gov. Gina Raimondo’s executive orders and the R.I. Department of Health.
Specifically, patrons must maintain six feet of social distance, gatherings can be no greater than five people, and everyone must wear a cloth face covering in all indoor or outdoor public places. Group activities of greater than five people are not allowed and out-of-state visitors must self-quarantine for 14 days before any outdoor activity.
Here’s a complete list and status of Portsmouth recreation areas:
• Bocce at the senior center: Open
• Bristol Ferry Town Common: Open
• Portsmouth Dog Park: Closed
• Elmhurst Park: Open
• Founders Brook: Open
• Glen Farm/Gardiner Seveney Complex: Open
• Glen Park: Open
• Heritage Park: Open
• Legion Park: Open
• McCorrie Point: Open
• Melville Recreation Area: Open
• Mount Hope Park: Open
• Oakland Forest: Open
• Sakonnet Greenway Trail: Open
• Sandy Point Beach: Open
Weaver Cove Boat Launch: Open
As required, the Portsmouth Police department will work to remind people of the current guidelines.
The Portsmouth Emergency Operations Center is coordinating with local golf courses to ensure safe operations and best practices are shared across all Aquidneck Island courses, including compliance with state and national golf associations' COVID-19 guidelines.
Executive order extended
On Friday, Town Council President Kevin Aguiar signed the town’s fifth supplemental emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which extended the original March 16 order and all supplemental orders through June 5.
Recycling event rescheduled
The hard plastics collection event scheduled for June 6 has been postponed. It is now scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. until the 40-yard container is full, at the Portsmouth Transfer Station.
The electronic waste collection at Portsmouth High School from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, June 13, is planned to go ahead as scheduled. However, residents are cautioned to have their materials ready for transfer to the collectors. Residents should remain in their vehicles while Indie Cycle’s collection staff removes their electronic waste. Their staff will be wearing personal protective equipment.
The annual paper shredding at Clements’ Marketplace, co-sponsored by the town and the Portsmouth Business Association, is still on track for Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more information, contact Portsmouth’s recycling coordinator at rantaya@portsmouthri.com or 401/643-0359.
Curbside pickup at library
The Portsmouth Free Public Library is fulling requests for books, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and audiobooks through curbside pickup from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Items may be requested by phone at 683-9457, ext. 2, or e-mail at porlibref@gmail.com. Patrons may borrow up to six items, which must show as “available” in the online catalog at www.portsmouthlibrary.org.
You can also download books and audio from the library; visit the website to learn more.
Soccer tourney canceled
The annual Father’s Day Soccer Tournament, scheduled for June 20-21 at Glen Farm, has been canceled.
For up-to-date information about Portsmouth-specific COVID-19 news, click here.
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