LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County commissioners unanimously voted to reopen beaches and parks during an emergency meeting Tuesday.
County parks and preserves, including all beaches and beach access points, parking lots, and free-standing bathrooms, reopen Wednesday.
People can sunbathe, exercise, bring coolers and chairs, but groups must be less than ten people and should practice social distancing.
Parks and preserves will open with regular hours — beaches open from dawn to dusk.
Lee County Beaches include:
- Beach Parks
- Bonita Beach Park
- Bowditch Point Park
- Bowman's Beach Park
- Causeway Islands
- Crescent Beach Family Park
- Little Hickory Island Beach Park
- Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park
- San Carlos/Bunche Beach Preserve
Beach accesses to open:
- Turner Beach Park Beach Accesses
- Alison Hagerup Beach Park
- Andy Rosse Lane Park
- Boca Grande Beach Accesses
- Bonita Beach Accesses
- Dog Beach Park
- Estero Island Beach Accesses
The Commissioners voted that the following amenities at all Lee County locations will remain closed:
- Pavilions
- Recreation centers
- Soccer, lacrosse and football fields
- Basketball courts
- Piers
- Splash pads and Pools
Baseball and softball fields will reopen, but there will be no league play and no access to dugouts or bleachers. These fields will be for groups of 10 or less who want to practice baseball or softball.
Baseball and softball fields will reopen, but there will be no league play and no access to dugouts or bleachers. These fields will be for groups of 10 or less who want to practice baseball or softball.
All dog parks will reopen, but there will be no seating areas provided. People will need to bring their own chairs and take them home when they leave.
While there are no restrictions for beaches, the Lee County Sheriff's Office will be monitoring those areas to ensure people follow CDC guidelines.
There will also be county staff will make hash marks on the walkways at high-use tennis and pickleball courts and other areas to help guide the public of social distancing if there is a waiting line.
All parking fees will go back into effect under this reopening to help with congestion and turn over that occurs at high-use park sites with parking fees.
Recommended guidelines for the beaches and parks include:
- All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others, maintain a minimum of 6 feet
- Social settings of 10 people or more should be avoided, where appropriate distancing may not be practical
- Vulnerable individuals should continue to stay home
For a list of Lee County parks, click here.
