To ensure the public's safety per the County Health Order during the pandemic, Santa Maria's Preisker Park will be closed to vehicle traffic on New Year's Day, 2021.
The Recreation and Parks Department determined that closing the park's loop roadway is an appropriate step to discourage any potential large public gathering.
The current County Health Order specifically identifies large public gathering as high-risk events for spreading COVID-19.
"While the park is approximately 40 acres in size, parking and picnic areas do not provide sufficient social distancing for large groups of park patrons," said to Gabriel Velasco, Recreation Supervisor.
"This event has been held at the park before and attracts several hundred attendees," he said, noting that this number of persons overwhelms the park's limited public restroom facilities, and cars on display draw large crowds around them.
Preisker Park will remain open to foot traffic for residents to enjoy the park's trees, rolling hills, picnic sites and playgrounds.
Questions may be directed to the Recreation and Parks Department at (805) 925-0951 extension 2260.
