The Parks and Recreation agencies across Orange County, including the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, opened their parks and outdoor amenities on September 11.

These park and playground openings are in accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Phase 2.5 of reopening. In Orange County, the opening of playgrounds was delayed to allow staff in the county and towns more time to prepare the areas for use.

In Chapel Hill, the following amenities are now open: playgrounds, picnic shelter reservations (up to a maximum of 25 people per reservation), bocce court, sand volleyball courts (for 2 versus 2 play) and doubles play at public tennis and pickleball courts.

Chapel Hill parks and trails will remain open as they have been since late May.

Find more information about Chapel Hill’s park and recreational services here.

Outdoor areas in Carrboro, such as park pavilions, picnic shelters, playgrounds and dog parks are now also open for public use – although indoor facilities will remain closed at this time.

Town staff ask that residents follow social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings for all open areas. Park users are also asked to not bring tents, tables, and chairs to parks, so as to not encourage large gatherings.

Find the full list of what’s open in Carrboro, as well as additional information about other parks and public facilities, here.

The Town of Hillsborough has opened its parks and playgrounds with new hand sanitizer stations located near the equipment.

Orange County guidelines that continue to limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people will remain in effect for all parks. To read more about why Orange County will not be expanding its gathering size limits to match the state’s Phase 2.5 guidelines, click here.

Lead photo via the Town of Hillsborough. 

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