Today, the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District announced they would follow the recent County of San Bernardino decision to relax restrictions at county parks and reopen the Phelan Park on a limited scale. The reopening will be effective on April 28, 2020.
Phelan Park guests will need to continue social distancing, avoid gathering in groups other than those in their immediate household, and refrain from attending the park if they are currently exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19. The park may be used for individual or household exercise, picnicking, and non-contact activities with members of your household only. The playground equipment will remain closed, and group sports or gatherings are prohibited. Additionally, park restrooms, benches, and drinking fountains will remain closed, so park users should plan accordingly. Pinon Hills Park will remain closed as it is undergoing repairs until mid-May.
“We encourage healthy individuals or households to visit the park. Residents may use the grass or walking paths at Phelan Park. Picnic benches and playground equipment will remain off-limits at this time,” stated Don Bartz, the District’s General Manager. He continued, “Park visitors must still be mindful of social distancing requirements. If the park becomes too crowded, or social distancing isn’t being practiced, we may have to re-close the park.”
The District office will continue to remain closed to the public. Customers can still call the District office during regular business hours and can still access their accounts online. The District will waive any late fees and will not disconnect customers for nonpayment during this time. Additionally, the $2 credit card convenience fee is being waived for payments made online or over the phone until normal operations resume. A drop box is available for customers in the District parking lot, and payments can still be mailed in. New customers are allowed to set up their accounts by phone and email. Field staff is still proceeding with field operations to continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to District customers. The District will determine when to reopen the District lobby and community centers based on information provided from the State of California and the County. As of April 28, 2020, the District estimates the lobby will reopen to customers on May 18, 2020.
The District’s Farmers Market will continue to operate each Monday from 2 pm-6 pm. “Given the impact of Covid-19 on grocery stores at the moment, we have determined it is in the best interest of our residents to continue to have access to fresh produce and other goods.” Mr. Bartz continued, “Our market is operated outdoors, so the exposure risk was determined to be less severe than that of a grocery store. District staff and market vendors will follow the new guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The following facilities will remain closed: Pinon Hills Park, Phelan Community Center, Phelan Senior Center, Pinon Hills Community Center, and the Pinon Hills Senior Center. All district events and activities are also canceled until further notice.
