Elk Grove playgrounds and parks to close indefinitely, except for ‘passive recreation’
City of Elk Grove officials announced Tuesday that amenities at local parks will be closed to the public with the hopes of discouraging large gatherings and slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The announcement includes all 98 parks in the Elk Grove area and adjoining sports fields, courts, playgrounds, play equipment, skate parks and group picnic shelters. The closures will take effect Wednesday and will remain in place until further notice in a bid to slow COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, officials said.
“Outdoor recreation continues to be an important way for people to stay healthy and manage stress, but we must do it safely and with proper physical distancing,” Joshua Green, general manager for Cosumnes Community Services District, said in a news release. “After careful consideration, we determined that we must provide clear guidance to Elk Grove residents, following visible actions, to keep people safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
Officials with Cosumnes Services District cited signage discouraging the use of playgrounds and promoting social distancing, which had been posted the week prior, and multiple reports of gatherings of varied sizes.
According to the release, parks and trails will remain open for “passive recreation,” which includes walking, running and biking. Although, park patrons are asked to maintain the suggested 6 feet of distance from other people.
“The city supports the measures the CSD is taking to protect our residents,” Elk Grove City Manager Jason Behrmann said. “We hope that the community will comply with the closures for their own safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable, to slow the spread.”
Violations of the public health order in Sacramento County can be reported by calling 311.
Elk Grove’s closures come a day after the city of Folsom enacted similar restrictions at its parks.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 7:45 PM.