Costa Mesa to reopen golf courses and parks for passive use with new guidelines

The City of Costa Mesa began its initial phase of allowing golfing on public and private courses to resume with strict no-touch rules and adherence to social distancing, and the reopening of certain city parks for passive use such as walking and biking.

The new rules go into effect at midnight Tuesday April 28. Click here to read the resolution.

Golfing restrictions apply to the city-owned Costa Mesa Country Club and the private Mesa Verde Country Club.  The park reopening guidelines apply to all City parks with the exception of Fairview Park, Bark Park, and the Skate Park, which will remain closed at this time.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation and our economy, and our City Council will continue to follow the guidance of our public health, safety and medical experts, as we make critical decisions,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “We may pivot and regroup many times during this process, but we will always be guided by science. Slow, cautious and thoughtfully planned relaxation of some restrictions is appropriate at this time. Together we partnered to develop safe play plans to reopen golf courses and some parks for passive use, such as walking and biking, for free access for families who need some space to move after six weeks at home.”

All tee times must be made in advance and scheduled at least 10 minutes apart to ensure social distancing on the course and in other areas. The golfing rules restrict the courses to walking only.  Carts will not be available for rent.

Ancillary golf operations will remain closed, including the pro shop, and no food or beverages will be served or available for purchase at this time. All golfers will be required to wear face coverings while checking in, at tee boxes and on greens and course employees will be required to wear face coverings and gloves at all times.

“Golf courses are places where our residents derive great peace and joy,” Mayor Pro-Tem John Stephens said.  “While it was necessary to close them temporarily for public health reasons, we have now established protocols for safe play.  Thank you to the golf course operators and our golfers for being such responsible and patient community partners.”

City parks will be open during normally posted times. Parking lots and amenities, such as tot lots and play equipment, will remain closed at this time.  The guidelines prohibit gathering, stopping or picnicking in the parks, and social distancing must be maintained.  A face covering must be worn, except for children under age 2 or individuals who have difficulty breathing.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison stated, “I would like to personally thank Council Members Reynolds, Chavez and Genis for their assistance in developing the new park guidelines. Enjoying our City parks safely will help maintain the health and well-being of our families and residents.”

Mayor Foley said relaxation of the rules could be an indicator of what’s to come.

“This is a critical time of cooperation and unity, and the collaboration to reopen the golf courses offers a model for successfully restoring other Costa Mesa businesses safely,” Foley said.  “We cleared the water on hole 8 and are heading to the turn on Mesa Linda, but we’re still a long way to the clubhouse.”