As people across Santa Clarita and the nation bunker down at home to implement social distancing and help combat the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, there are a number of activities that are still safe to partake in, so long as appropriate caution is exercised.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that those practicing social distance continue to implement exercise as part of their routine as a benefit to not only physical health, but also mental health.

Social distancing recommends that people maintain at least six feet of space between themselves to help prevent the spread of coronavirus; however, that doesn’t mean that people can’t leave their homes for some physical activity.

“Our recommendation is to use the miles of trails that we’ve got throughout the community as well as our open space,” said Lance O’Keefe, City of Santa Clarita Recreation and Community Service Manager. “Now’s a great opportunity to get out and be one with nature and enjoy our scenic surroundings, with the recent rainfall everything is more green and you can take advantage with an outdoor jog, bike ride or hike.”

All Santa Clarita indoor recreation facilities, including the aquatic center, gyms and sports complex, are shut down, however, outdoor facilities remain accessible, according to O’Keefe.

Santa Clarita’s parks and open space are still open, as well as the skatepark and outdoor volleyball and basketball courts.

“Obviously playing basketball and volleyball isn’t recommended because you’re not six feet away and you’re all touching the same ball, your social distancing just isn’t there,” O’keefe said. “That’s probably not the best activity for right now, but I’ve seen people running around on the basketball and sand volleyball courts still getting a workout, just not actually playing.”

The city continues to maintain daily cleaning of those facilities that do remain open, including parks, playgrounds and bathrooms according to O’Keefe.

The Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department has also made closures to some of its facilities to prevent large gatherings; however, others remain open.

As of Thursday, local and regional parks, botanical gardens, trails and lakes remain open to the public, according to the county officials.

Some facilities have limited access, including equestrian centers for horse boarders, golf courses for regular play, outdoor basketball courts and tennis courts.

However, while making use of any of these facilities or out for a walk or jog, it’s important to maintain the recommended distance of six feet from anyone a person may come across, according to officials.

The county Parks and Recreation facilities that are closed as a result of coronavirus include restrooms, gymnasiums, aquatic centers, golf clubhouses, computer labs and multi-purpose rooms.

While it is important to continue to get outside for both one’s physical and mental wellbeing, there are also a number of options for staying active at home.

A number of companies have started to make their home workout apps more widely available, and even free in some cases.

A number of gyms have also taken to social media to share at-home workouts to both members and non-members alike.

Beyond these special offerings, there are countless fitness apps offering free guided workouts available in the app store.

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