Huntington Beach closing grass areas along beaches as a coronavirus anti-crowding measure

All grass areas along the Huntington Beach sand will be closed to the public starting Friday in an attempt to stop crowding during the coronavirus outbreak.

The city is installing 500 closure signs spaced 50 feet apart at grass areas along the beaches, according to city spokesman Eric McCoy.

The large grass area between Ninth and 11th streets will be fenced off. The grass along the bike path between Seapoint Street and Ninth Street, as well as the picnic area south of Seapoint, also will be closed, McCoy said.

“The city is constantly evaluating the situation at our beaches to determine if safe social distancing can be practiced,” McCoy said.

However, the beaches themselves and city parks remain open.

The city previously closed the Huntington Beach Pier and all parking lots at city beaches. It also installed enhanced signage, increased police patrols and ordered hourly announcements from the pier about the need to socially distance.

City Hall and libraries also are closed to the public, along with amenities such as playground equipment, sports fields and courts and the dog park in Central Park.

Daily Pilot staff contributed to this report.

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