Practice Smart Social Distancing in Parks, Stay Away From Playgrounds

Plymouth’s parks and trails are open, but the public shouldn’t use playgrounds or play active games on fields or courts.

Deputy Director Barb Northway says surfaces on playgrounds aren’t routinely sanitized, plus engaging in games with the public doesn’t allow the proper social distancing. People are encouraged to use trails, maintain proper social distance, and play games as a family instead.

“Social distancing is something we need to do for humankind to make sure this doesn’t spread,” said Northway. “We are concerned with groups congregating in parks. If you are from the same household and are sharing some things like a ball or bat, that’s fine. But when multiple households get together, that can cause this to spread.”

Northway says this includes pickleball courts and tennis courts.

Plymouth Parks and Recreation published a complete list of park activities where you can practice safe social distancing on this webpage.

“We want people to come out and be refreshed and renewed in our parks,” said Northway. “That’s what they are for. We want people to do that, but please be careful and be safe. This is a responsibility for all of us.”

Golden Valley, Robbinsdale Asks People to Practice Safe Social Distancing

Stopping people from congregating isn’t a problem that’s isolated to one city. Several suburbs are also trying to discourage people from gathering together outside.

In Golden Valley, the city council submitted an op-ed to the local newspaper asking for the public’s help in practicing safe social distancing. You can read that letter here.

Commander Steve Johnson also went to the police department’s Twitter feed to ask for the public’s help.

Golden Valley Police Commander Steve Johnson wants to remind residents of the Governor’s Stay At Home order. Stay safe and healthy. We are all in this together. pic.twitter.com/EWklW3j827

— City of Golden Valley MN Police Department (@GVMNPolice) March 31, 2020

Robbinsdale asked through the city’s Facebook page for people to call 911 if they are concerned about groups of people congregating in parks. If officers are not on an emergency call, the post says they will respond and ask the group to disperse.

Golden Valley | Plymouth | Robbinsdale