Sherrill Park Golf Course operations will be suspended beginning Saturday, April 11, 2020. Course operations are temporarily being closed in response to Governor Abbott’s Executing Order No. GA-14, which according to additional guidance provided by the Governor today does not consider golf course operations essential services. The order is currently set to be in effect until April 30, 2020.

While the course and all golf activities are suspended, the Spring Creek Nature Trail, which runs adjacent to the fairways and greens, will remain accessible during the day. However, cart paths and other golf course trails, fairways, greens and open areas are not open and will be closed to public traffic.

While Sherrill Park will be closed to the public, members of private country clubs may enter onto privately owned golf courses to utilize the course if there is no interaction with employees of the golf course.  Private country clubs may also allow their members to walk or use a privately-owned golf cart while utilizing the course.  Golf course operations such as the pro shop and snack bar/cart must be closed at all times.

Recently Gov. Abbot also announced the closure of Texas state parks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The measure is consistent with the actions taken by the City of Richardson to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. In addition to temporarily closing high-traffic and commonly used facilities, recreation areas with gate access have also been temporarily closed, such as the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground and Bush Central Barkway dog park.

In open areas such as trails and fields, Residents are urged to follow proper social distancing etiquette to protect themselves and to be respectful of others.

The best etiquette to follow while in the outdoors is to:

  • Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails—wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
  • Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
  • Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
  • Note that trail and park users may find public restrooms closed—be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
  • Bring water or drinks—public drinking fountains are disabled.
  • Refrain from using playgrounds and other similar amenities that cannot be property disinfected.

(Updates on the City’s emergency response can be found on the City of Richardson’s COVID-19 news page at www.cor.net/coronavirus.)