Spring is in full bloom, and the county is wrapping up its first week in the orange tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. In Beverly Hills, the Community Services Department is diligently working in tandem with the city’s Advanced Planning and COVID Pandemic Response Team to reinstate recreational sports programs, permitted activities and other services in compliance with the required safety modifications.
Community Services Director, Jenny Rogers told the Courier that the city is looking forward to welcoming residents back after the pandemic-related closures.
“As we begin to re-open many of our Community Service facilities, and resume onsite programs and events, we could not be more excited to welcome everyone back in-person and look forward to providing those experiences that our community has come to depend upon. We are eager to see you all in person, to connect you physically and socially with one another, and to support your well-being–mind, body and spirit,” said Rogers.
She added, “While the pandemic brought us a year we will never forget, we learned just how strong and resilient we are as a community. The last year has brought us together like never before and created a strong, lasting bond of friendship, compassion and caring. We look forward to welcoming our community back to our beloved Community Service facilities, celebrating the return of treasured programs, events and services and continuing the creation of community and the deep relationships that we’ve forged!”
Here is a look at the much-missed programs and activities residents can soon enjoy once again.
Recreation
In welcome news for families, recreational services are reopening in the city. The basketball courts at Roxbury Park are open to limited occupancy from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Youth sports, including AYSO and Little League, will resume competitive play on April 12, using the sports fields at Roxbury Park and La Cienega Park. Adult spring baseball league will resume competitive play beginning April 24. Picnic tables have already reopened on a first-come, first-served basis. Beginning April 15, picnic table rentals will resume at La Cienega Park, Roxbury Park and Coldwater Canyon. Reservations can be made at the respective sites by calling the main number for each site.
Additionally, the sand volleyball court at Roxbury Park is open for drop-in play during park hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tennis and pickleball play is open to online reservations for La Cienega Tennis Center and Roxbury Park Tennis Courts. Reservations can be made online at www.beverlyhills.org/bhrec. Beverly Hills Tennis Center is now offering tennis and pickleball lessons/clinics, and Summer Tennis Camps. For more information, visit www.beverlyhillstennis.com, call 310-285-6825 or email proshop@beverlyhillstennis.com.
Classes and Camps
Both in-person and virtual spring classes and spring/summer camps will be available this year. Summer Camp offerings include youth sports and day camp, as well as specialty camps in theater, math, science, fitness, enrichment and more. Although many in-person camps sold out during early registration, some slots remain. A complete catalog of summer camps can be found at www.beverlyhills.org/summercampbrochure.
Library Services
As of April 19, the library will be open until 8 p.m. for sidewalk /curbside pickup and drop off of library materials. The library itself will be open three days per week (hours vary) for in-person services by appointment beginning April 26. Those services include browsing of collections on the first floor of the library and checkout; holds pick-up inside the building and brief reference interactions to assist finding materials. To make an appointment, visit www.bhpl.org.
Greystone Mansion & Gardens
The grounds of Greystone will be open to visitors on select dates in April starting April 22. Beginning May 5, reservations will be available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Advance reservations are required, and capacity is limited. Reservations can be made online at www.beverlyhills.org/bhrec beginning April 13 (BH residents) or April 14 (non-residents). Reservations are available up to one week in advance.
Small, non-commercial photography permits (such as engagement photos) limited to household plus a photographer, maximum of six people, will be allowed starting April 22 on select dates. Permit applications open April 12 at BHEvents@beverlyhills.org or 310-285-6830.
At this time, no events are scheduled and no event rentals at Greystone are being offered. The city will continue to closely monitor the state and county’s protocols for reopening and hopes to announce more information in the near future.
Will Rogers Park
Small, non-commercial photography permits limited to household plus a photographer, with a maximum of six people, will be allowed starting April 12. Permit applications are available at BHEvents@beverlyhills.org or 310-285-6830.
