Editors note (April 2): On Friday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey criticized Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department for implementing restrictions at its parks over the Easter weekend and announced that entry fees to most state-owned parks would be waived for the weekend. This story has been updated to reflect that.
A heads up for those planning to spend some time at Phoenix parks over the Easter weekend: parks and dog parks will be open, but the parking lots themselves will be locked and closed. Grilling will also be prohibited.
The temporary restrictions are in place for both Saturday and Sunday, April 3-4, 2021. Indoor recreation areas at city-run facilities remain closed.
Easter weekend is traditionally one of its busiest weekends at the parks, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department said in a news release, and the restrictions are "intended to limit the possibility of large group gatherings this weekend" in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More information.
During the Easter holiday weekend (Sat., April 3 and Sun., April 4), ALL @CityofPhoenixAZ park amenities will be open for the community to enjoy, but parking lots will be closed and grilling will be prohibited. https://t.co/GT9VxLRRxE pic.twitter.com/aDtEa6DbbC
— Phoenix Parks and Recreation (@PhoenixParks) March 26, 2021
Dog parks will be open, but their associated parking lots will be closed. The parking lot near Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, off Galvin Parkway, will be closed, though the trails to Hole in the Rock will be open.
Those with accessibility parking placards will be allowed to park in the parking lots.
On Thursday, the temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reached 95 degrees, marking the hottest day of the year. Temperatures over the Easter weekend or forecast to be just as hot or hotter: 96 on Saturday, 99 on Sunday, and 98 on Monday.
Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, such as a hat, sunscreen, bring plenty of water, and take frequent breaks.
On Friday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey criticized Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in a video posted to his Twitter account for implementing restrictions at Phoenix parks. He said outdoor parks have been deemed a safe activity by health officials and the CDC.
In response, Gov. Ducey also announced that entry fees would be waived for most of the Arizona State Parks over the Easter weekend and encouraged people to spend the weekend outdoors.
Visit www.phoenix.gov/pio/summer/heat for more heat safety information and tips.
