City of Riverside to Re-Open Mt. Rubidoux Park May 22 With Modifications
Published: 05/15/20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2020
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
City of Riverside to Re-Open Mt. Rubidoux Park May 22 With Modifications
Visitors will be required to walk in the same direction and urged to maintain physical distancing
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Mt. Rubidoux Park, which has been closed to the public since March 27 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, will re-open May 22 with modifications to the trail system to promote safety and allow for six feet of social distancing.
The Riverside City Council voted 7-0 on Friday afternoon to approve a plan for the iconic downtown park. That plan includes requiring visitors to walk in the same direction on the trails and opening the parking lots at nearby Ryan Bonaminio Park so people can park their vehicles there.
“Mt. Rubidoux Park is a Riverside treasure, as well as a great place to get outside and exercise in the fresh air,” Mayor Rusty Bailey. “I’m encouraged to see that we are making progress in getting all of our parks and trails back open for the public.”
The park will be opened at the Glenwood Drive entrance on May 22. The 9th Street entrance will be closed for the foreseeable future because of an existing construction project and so the City can discuss with people who live in that area ways to permanently improve the mountain.
The May 22 opening date is designed to give the City a chance to consult with public health officials and also discuss the plan with the Friends of Mt. Rubidoux group, as well as the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership.
The paved paths from the entrances will be painted with a dashed line in the center with directional arrows on each side of the lane from the gate entrances. Once visitors get to a “crossroads” at the base of the mountain, they will be required to walk in the same direction up and down the mountain to prevent people from passing each other on the trail and coming in close contact with one another.
Signs will be posted along the trails to remind walkers to maintain social distancing. Everyone will be asked to leave as soon as they finish their walk to discourage gatherings. The mountain and the nearby parking lot will be closed at night.
“This plan is the best way to ensure that visitors to Mt. Rubidoux Park are as safe as possible,” Mayor Pro Tem Erin Edwards said. “I encourage everyone to be considerate of one another so that everyone who wants to use the park will feel safe doing so.”
If visitors disregard the rules designed to keep them safe, the trails on Mt. Rubidoux could be closed again. The City Council will hear an update on June 16.
For the latest information and resources regarding COVID-19 -- www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19.
