Raleigh Playgrounds Begin To Reopen Friday; Museums Announce Future Plans

Raleigh playgrounds, as well as several other venues, were allowed to reopen Friday as part of Phase 2.5 of Gov. Roy Cooper's reopening plan for the state of North Carolina.

Gov. Cooper announced that bars and movie theaters will remain closed, but other venues including some museums, gyms and bowling alleys will also be allowed to reopen, according to WRAL.com.

The guidelines for venues reopening as part of Phase 2.5 are listed below:

• Outdoor playgrounds are allowed to reopen, while indoor playgrounds must be limited to 30% capacity, or up to seven individuals per 1,000 square feet
• Museums and aquariums can reopen to the public with attendance limited to 50% capacity, or up to 12 individuals per 1,000 square feet.
• Gyms, bowling alleys, skating rinks and other indoor exercise facilities can reopen to the public, but must be limited to 30% capacity, or up to seven people per 1,000 square feet.

Gov. Cooper also announced that all residents age 5 and up must wear masks while in public.

Raleigh Parks reopened its playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and athletic fields on Friday, noting that "amenities are not sanitized daily, and park visitors must use at their own risk," on the city's website.

Additionally, the city said residents must follow group size, social distancing, and face mask guidelines, acknowledging Gov. Cooper's requirement for children 5 and older to wear masks in public.

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