"Playgrounds may remain open to facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise," the revised guidance on the website covid19.ca.gov stated.
Ali Bay, a spokesperson for California's Department of Public Health, said in an email to the Associated Press that the change was new as of Wednesday morning and the department was working to share the news more broadly.
At an afternoon news briefing, Supervisor Hilda Solis said Los Angeles County will align with the state's new guidance. "Access to playgrounds is critical" for children, especially those whose homes do not have yards, Solis said.
Outdoor playgrounds were initially forced to close under Gov. Gavin Newsom's regional stay-home order.
Companies part of group founded by CA governor collectively get nearly $3 million in PPP loans, data shows
Companies Newsom founded get nearly $3M in fed funding, data shows
That safety restriction upset some parents and lawmakers, who argued that playgrounds are for some children the only opportunity to play outside and burn off proverbial steam, especially in urban settings.
Many of the state's 40 million residents are subject to the latest round of stay-home orders, although several counties in the San Francisco Bay Area chose to implement their own voluntary orders independent of the state.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
MAP: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
For a better experience, click here to view the full map in a new window