Public Playgrounds and Athletic Fields are Closed to limit COVID-19 March 17, 2020

Public Playgrounds and Athletic Fields are Closed

To discourage social gatherings and slow the spread of the COVID-19, the City is closing all public athletic fields, courts, skate park and playgrounds.

This is a difficult decision as we would like residents to be outside enjoying physical activity, with proper social distancing. However, we cannot allow group gatherings or activities of any size on public fields or basketball courts and the skate park.  Coronavirus may also survive on surfaces for long periods of time and could contaminate playground equipment.

Athletic fields will be closed to group gatherings, activities, and team practices.  The Clipper City Rail Trail and passive areas of parks will be open for walking and exercising.  We urge park users to follow these guidelines:

Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use parks or trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.

Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.

Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.

Note that public restrooms are closed.  Public drinking fountains will remain disabled.

Public health officials also strongly discourage activities that promote private gatherings of people, including play dates, sleepovers, parties, social visits, and other activities where closer contact is the norm.

It needs to be a community based effort to slow down and limit the spread of COVID-19 and we need everyone’s cooperation. Residents who are comfortable going outdoors and who have not been instructed to quarantine, can stay active by walking, running, hiking or biking , while practicing social distancing recommendations from the CDC.

We continue to urge all residents to evaluate their own health and determine if they are feeling mildly ill with a head cold, headache, cough and/or experiencing any CDC identified symptoms of COVID-19. If you are feeling any symptoms, we advise you to contact your primary care physician for guidance.

Read the CDCs FAQ on COVID-19 and Children.

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html