County Judge Chris Schuchart issued two updates to Medina County’s local disaster declaration over the past week, specifically addressing parks and golf courses.
In the amendments issued on April 9, privately owned recreational parks open to the public were ordered to close effective at 12:01 AM on April 10. The order includes a ban of gatherings at river crossing on county roads.
The April 9 amendments also included an order closing all golf courses in Medina County, though that was walked back in another amendment issued on April 13, after the State Attorney General’s office issued a guidance letter about golf courses on April 11.
Schuchart’s April 13 amendment stated that golf courses in Medina County may operate under the following rules: pro shops shall remain closed to the public; restaurants may open only for takeout or delivery; tee times shall be taken remotely; golfers must follow CDC guidelines for practicing good hygiene, sanitation, and social distancing of at least six feet, which includes riding in the same golf cart (unless golfers are from the same household); courses must clean carts and other equipment handled by golfers; courses must designate one person to manage play on the course and ensure rules are being followed; and no starters, marshals, beverage carts, or other personnel should be allowed on the course.
The updated requirements for golf courses went into effect immediately after Schuchart issued the amendment.
For more information, visit the Medina County website at www.medinacountytexas.org.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer