BALTIMORE, MD.  — Today, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young announced the reopening of Baltimore City-owned tennis and disk golf courts. Mayor Young issued the following statement:

“I understand that sports, exercise, and time spent outdoors are essential to both our physical and mental health,” Mayor Young said. “That is why I tasked Director Moore and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) with evaluating and providing the best, and safest solutions to restore outdoor recreation options for our residents.”

Beginning today, players are permitted to play at the courts with some of the following modifications:

Tennis:

• Courts are restricted to SINGLES play only.
• All spectators and players waiting for a court must remain outside of the fencing and are encouraged to stay in their vehicles until courts become available. Social distancing procedures must be followed at all times.
• Before, during and after play, players must maintain a minimum distance of at least 6 feet from other people.
• Players should label their equipment and ball(s) that they will touch during play.
• Main entry gates will be left open to prevent surface contact.

Disk Golf:

• Maintain a physical distancing of six feet at all times.
• Maximum 4 players per grouping.
• Do not approach the first tee until clear.
• Do not touch the equipment of others.
• Only one disc in a basket at a time.
• Retrieve disk without grabbing chains.
• Trash is carry-in, carry-out.
• No congregating in the parking lot or bulletin board area before or after play.

Players are asked to continue to maintain social distancing and hygiene guidelines recommend by the Centers for Disease Control and the Baltimore City Health Department. Congregation of groups of ten or more is prohibited. Additional guidelines can be found online at the Department of Recreation and Parks.

“I am happy that we are able to provide sport options that provide natural social distancing like tennis and disk golf,” BCRP Executive Director Reginald Moore said. “It is crucial that players adhere to the detailed guidelines our recreation staff have provided so that all residents can remain safe while enjoying the games.”

City parks, trails and open spaces remain open to be enjoyed in groups less than 10 and at least six feet apart at all times. City-owned basketball and bocce courts, park pavilions, playgrounds, and other high congestion areas remain closed until further notice.

BCRP launched the Virtual Rec Center in April to provide an array of activities from at-home workouts, art and nature projects, STEM lessons, outdoor activities like gardening or bird watching, and much more. The digital resource page provides safe, alternative recreation options for residents of all ages and abilities.