Entertainment, Recreational Venues Beginning To Reopen Across Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As Utah makes the transition from “high” to “moderate” risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, entertainment and recreational venues across the state have announced plans to reopen.

Many locations will have social distancing restrictions in place, including the use of face masks, maintaining a six-foot distance from others and limiting the number of guests/customers.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Officials announced the zoo will reopen Saturday with restrictions on the number of visitors, ticketing requirements and social distancing measures in place.

Thanksgiving Point

Ashton Gardens and Farm Country venues will reopen on May 1. Thanksgiving Point’s three indoor venues — the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Butterfly Biosphere and the Museum of Ancient Life — will remain closed at this time.

Thanksgiving Point members and public guests will be required to use an advance ticket reservation and the number of guests at each venue will be limited.

“The safety of our guests and team members is our first priority,” stated Mike L. Washburn, president and CEO of Thanksgiving Point. “Our state’s “Utah Leads Together” plan provides guidelines to safely enter a moderate risk phase and allow socially-distanced limited admissions to outdoor venues. We aim to carefully provide a place to visit and recharge.”

Employees will wear face masks and officials said visitors are encouraged to wear masks as well.

Venues will also offer a daily time slot for guests who are considered “high-risk” to visit.

Utah Division Of Motor Vehicles

Utah DMV officials said they will be reopening lobbies at select locations across the state beginning May 1.

However, residents must make an appointment ahead of time.

Brigham City

City officials announced Wednesday the city’s pickleball and tennis courts will open on Friday, May 1. The disc golf course will also reopen that day.

“Please note that the open areas at the parks are not closed,” officials said. “Only specific gathering and high touch areas are closed, such as playgrounds and boweries. Everyone should follow social distancing guidelines.

Salt Lake County

Restaurants, personal services, gyms and entertainment venues may all reopen under restrictions under the county’s plan, but Salt Lake County Health Department Executive Director Gary Edwards said residents must wear face coverings at each location.

Salt Lake County officials announced precautionary measures businesses must take as they move to reopen starting this Friday, May 1, when the state transitions to the next phase of its COVID-19 recovery plan.

However, Salt Lake County Arts & Culture’s venues extended their closure date through June 30. This includes events scheduled at Abravanel Hall, Capitol Theatre, Eccles Theater and the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

St. George

Officials said all city splash pads will reopen on May 1, while the city pool on 700 South will reopen on May 2 and the recreation center on May 4.

Precautionary safety measures at each venue include altered hours of operation and adjusted capacity limits.

Utah State Parks

Park officials announced new, temporary guidelines to address long wait times and visitor capacity.

Capacity at high-visitation parks will now be determined by the number of developed parking spaces and primitive camping will be closed or reduced.

Park law enforcement and the Utah Highway Patrol will also enforce highway parking restrictions at select parks in southern Utah. This came after multiple parks in the area were forced to turn away visitors last weekend.

“We’re committed to maintaining the health and wellness of our staff and visitors. After last weekend, it’s evident that a few changes are necessary to increase safety and social distancing at our busiest parks,” said Jeff Rasmussen, director of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. “We all play a role in keeping each other safe and healthy. We hope these changes contribute to a better visitor experience, and we ask those coming to state parks to do their part and practice responsible recreation.”

Park managers will update capacity estimates on their individual park social media pages and websites throughout the weekend.