In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and encourage social distancing within our community, the City of Joplin has closed Ewert Park skate park and all playgrounds at Joplin parks.
This closure begins Tuesday, April 7 and continues through April 20, 2020, unless further action is needed to expand the closures.
Parks staff have fenced off playgrounds to discourage use and have posted closed signs at all affected locations. Park water fountains and restrooms remain closed. City parks and trails will remain open and available for biking and walking.
Parks staff have fenced off playgrounds to discourage use and have posted closed signs at all affected locations. Park water fountains and restrooms remain closed. City parks and trails will remain open and available for biking and walking.
These types of outdoor activities fall within the essential activities listed in the City’s Stay At Home. When using these amenities, the City asks patrons to use the social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC.
Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg consulted several other cities about their practice during this public health emergency, and noted the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) statement related to playground closures, during the City’s consideration.
“The National Recreation and Park Association understands the important value playgrounds and play structures provide to communities across the country, especially for children. But, given the current situation and the guidance from public health officials on physical distancing, limiting in-person social interactions, avoiding spaces where people congregate in close quarters, and the concerns around transmission of the virus being spread through surfaces, we believe that playgrounds and play structures should temporarily close in an effort to reduce community spread.
While we believe that playgrounds and play structures should close, NRPA continues to support keeping parks, trails, and green spaces that provide adequate room for physical distancing open for the public to use in responsible ways that protect public health and safety. Through this pandemic, local parks, trails and open spaces have become even more of a haven and place of respite from the stresses of daily life and the uncertainty we face. We know the physical and mental health benefits that these spaces provide and urge them to remain open wherever possible.”
The City is monitoring this health crisis closely and continuously communicating with other government and health agencies. We will continue to provide updates and take additional measures as needed for the safety of our residents and employees as the situation warrants. Please visit the City’s website at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus for all COVID-19-related updates and information.
Additional Info...
Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg consulted several other cities about their practice during this public health emergency, and noted the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) statement related to playground closures, during the City’s consideration.
“The National Recreation and Park Association understands the important value playgrounds and play structures provide to communities across the country, especially for children. But, given the current situation and the guidance from public health officials on physical distancing, limiting in-person social interactions, avoiding spaces where people congregate in close quarters, and the concerns around transmission of the virus being spread through surfaces, we believe that playgrounds and play structures should temporarily close in an effort to reduce community spread.
While we believe that playgrounds and play structures should close, NRPA continues to support keeping parks, trails, and green spaces that provide adequate room for physical distancing open for the public to use in responsible ways that protect public health and safety. Through this pandemic, local parks, trails and open spaces have become even more of a haven and place of respite from the stresses of daily life and the uncertainty we face. We know the physical and mental health benefits that these spaces provide and urge them to remain open wherever possible.”
The City is monitoring this health crisis closely and continuously communicating with other government and health agencies. We will continue to provide updates and take additional measures as needed for the safety of our residents and employees as the situation warrants. Please visit the City’s website at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus for all COVID-19-related updates and information.
Additional Info...
No comments:
Post a Comment