Folsom park amenities closed to slow coronavirus. Too many gathered there, city says
Folsom has closed its playgrounds, basketball courts, athletic fields, dog park and several other park amenities, because city officials say too many people were gathering without social distancing to slow the coronavius spread.
Folsom city officials said it was necessary to limit access to community locations, where maintaining safe social distancing of 6 feet had shown to be difficult. The closures go into effect Tuesday morning.
“This decision was not taken lightly. COVID-19 cases are increasing in Sacramento County, and we now know we have confirmed cases here in Folsom,” City Manager Elaine Andersen said in a news release. “We have seen far too many people gathering in our parks and on our trails.”
Sacramento County has formally ordered residents to remain in their homes except for essential chores. State and local health officials say residents can come out of there homes for certain outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, jogging or biking, but they have to maintain a safe distance to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease COVID-19.
As of Monday afternoon, there were six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Folsom, city officials said. The number of COVID-19 cases doubled in Sacramento County over the past five days.
Safe social distancing is required at all times during outdoor recreation, Folsom officials said. The city’s parks and trails will remain open, and park restrooms will be open during operating hours. Additional cleaning, disinfecting and restocking of bathroom supplies are being done in the restrooms.
The city manager said it’s “imperative” that Folsom residents stay home and practice social distancing for the health and safety of the community and “our loved ones.”
“The more we stay home now, the less the virus will spread in Folsom.” Andersen said in the news release.
Until further notice, Folsom residents can no longer use these park amenities:
- Athletic fields, including Lembi, Livermore, Econome, Kemp, Catlin, Davies, Ed Mitchell, Briggs, Rodeo, Handy Family, McFarland, Mann, Nisenan, Cohn and Sheldon parks
- Basketball courts
- Ball walls
- Bocce ball courts
- FIDO Field Dog Park
- Library book return
- Pickleball courts
- Playgrounds and play equipment
- Tennis courts
- Volleyball courts
Overdue fees for books checked out from the library will not accrue during the temporary library closure, according to the news release.
Violating the county stay-at-home order can be treated as a misdemeanor crime. When the order was issued March 19, county leaders said the intent is not to cite or arrest anyone, but to have the ability to require bars to close and restaurants to only serve take-out of delivery food.
Folsom city officials said Monday that even though Folsom police has the authority to issue citations for violating the order, they hope residents will see the benefits of social distancing in slowing the COVID-19 spread. But they also said that city staff will patrol the city and issue warnings if they see residents not complying with the order.
In response to the public health emergency, Folsom had already closed its library, its zoo, the Andy Morin Sports Complex, the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center, its community center, the Rotary clubhouse, its senior center, its art center, the Gallery at 48 Natoma and the Folsom Skate and Bike Park.
Playgrounds in Sacramento County parks and Sacramento city parks also are off-limits to children and their families, but the parks remain open for activities with small groups and social distancing. Authorities fear the playgrounds have frequently touched surfaces and could bring children dangerously close to each other, leading to more COVID-19 infections.
West Sacramento city officials also advised park visitors to stay off the playground equipment. They informed residents that group sports, picnics, barbecues and other outdoor group gatherings in city parks or other locations are not allowed in accordance with Yolo County’s shelter-in-place order. The park bathrooms have been closed.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District has closed all recreation facilities at its 10 parks and lakes, including campgrounds, visitor centers, boat launches and day-use areas.
All 18 of California’s National Forests have closed their developed recreation sites, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Yosemite National Park has closed for more than a week, and its hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and many other facilities were closed days earlier.
On Sunday, all 280 California State Parks have temporarily closed access to vehicles after a recent surge of visitors creating unsafe conditions without social distancing. Some of the parks have fully closed to the public.
Folsom city officials asked residents to report violations of the county stay-at-home order in Folsom by calling 916-461-6555 or sending an email to COVID19@folsom.ca.us. For information about the county’s COVID-19 cases and public health directives, visit covid19.SacCounty.net.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 7:50 PM.
