Bellaire, West University will reopen some city services and facilities starting May 1

Bellaire and West University Place will phase in reopenings of some of their facilities and programs, beginning May 1, the two cities announced April 29.

Announcements from the two cities come after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order April 27 to expand reopening of services as part of a strategic plan in opening Texas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting May 1, anyone entering a city facility in Bellaire will be asked to wear a face covering, sanitize hands and practice social distancing.

Here are more updates for Bellaire and West University Place.

Bellaire

May 1: The city will reopen tennis courts, athletic fields, batting cages, and park restroom facilities, though their usage is limited to four people at a time, according to a news release. Online tennis court reservations are available at bellairetx.gov/738/Tennis-Courts

Play structures, the dog park, recreation center, and pools will remain closed.

May 4: Bellaire will resume curbside hold pickup service at the Bellaire City Library, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The City Hall Customer Service lobby will be reopened.

Permitting and utility billing service will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Building permit customers served by appointment only and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Utility Billing will re-open one window in the customer service lobby, though customers are encouraged to pay bills online.

The B-LIFE area will remain closed, and online games and activities will continue to be provided through the Bellaire Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Municipal Court customer service, at the Norman-Zarate Police & Municipal Court Building, will be available from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

West University Place

May 1: Tennis courts will reopen, with a maximum of four players per court and no additional spectators on the side of the court. Register at www.westutx.gov/tennis

All construction related activity is allowed.

Colonial Park Open Space (east end of park) will be opened, joining West U Recreation Center Field & Track, and the restrooms at Colonial Park & Recreation Center that are accessible from the outside.

What remains closed: Judson Park, Weir Park, Whitt Johnson Park, Huffington Park, Colonial Park – Playground (east end open space is open), Jennie Elizabeth Hughes Park, Friends Park, Liberty Hill Park, and basketball courts and swimming pools.