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L.A. River Opens For Recreation, With One Big Exception

When this photo was shot in 2014, kayaking the river was illegal. Now it's back on the list of things you can't do as recreation zones reopen. (LAist archives)

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Recreation areas along the Los Angeles River are opening for the season on Memorial Day.

Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez says river parks and paths in Elysian Valley and the Sepulveda Basin in Encino will be open for walking, biking and fishing. He told us:

"The only thing that will not be happening is the kayaking. So no in-water boating will be permitted this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But everything else will be open."

Gomez says the ban on boating is to protect park employees from exposure to the public, especially in the case of a water rescue.

New signs are going up and extra rangers will be at trailheads to encourage face coverings and physical distancing.

Gomez, in a statement, emphasized that everyone using the recreation zones will be expected to "comply with all public health orders and maintain a minimum physical distance of six feet from others, and wear a face covering.”

The two Los Angeles River recreation zones will be open Memorial Day through Sept. 30.

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