'At no time did we force people to leave': Officers tell people to spread out at Dolores Park

A San Francisco Park Ranger walks as people occupy a hill at Dolores Park in San Francisco, Sunday, April 19, 2020. San Francisco Police and Park Rangers reminded people who were not walking dogs, exercising or maintaining social distance to practice social distancing over COVID-19 concerns. less A San Francisco Park Ranger walks as people occupy a hill at Dolores Park in San Francisco, Sunday, April 19, 2020. San Francisco Police and Park Rangers reminded people who were not walking dogs, exercising or ... more Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Photo: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close 'At no time did we force people to leave': Officers tell people to spread out at Dolores Park 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Sunny skies drew dog walkers, sun bathers and picnickers to San Francisco's Dolores Park Sunday.

The number of people spread across the 16 acres of grass was scant compared to the mobs who crowd the park on a typical warm weekend without a shelter-in-placer order in effect, but the picnic scene appeared unusual in this new world in which gatherings are banned to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

San Francisco Police Department officers patrolled Dolores Park on the weekend and were "reminding people to spread out and practice social distancing per the Shelter in Place (SIP) public health order," according to Officer Adam Lobsinger, a spokesperson for the department.

There were reports in social media of SFPD "kicking people out" of the park on Sunday, and KGO TV said officers "used loud speakers to communicate with visitors." Lobsinger said no citations were given or arrests made for people violating the health order.

"At no time today did we close Dolores Park or force people to leave," Lobsinger said in an email statement. "We are always concerned of people's proximity of each other during the SIP in all parts of the city. We understand that people want to enjoy the parks and be outside, but we need to remind people that the SIP is still in effect and that we need to wear masks while we are outside doing the essential tasks to reduce the spread of COVID-19."

San Francisco Recreation and Parks echoed SFPD's message and said people are not being banned from the park.

"The health order is clear that people can use parks for exercise, which is vital to our mental and physical health," Rec and Parks spokesperson Tamara Aparton said. "Our rangers have been conducting outreach and education when they see people gathering or violating social distancing guidelines."

Aparton added people can picnic together on the grass if they live in the same household.

To reduce crowds at parks, the city has asked residents to spend their outdoor time near their homes—in other words, people who live on the north side of the city should avoid driving to Dolores Park and instead access parks in their own neighborhoods.

"You may walk, bike or go for a run near your home," according to the official order from the city. "If you need to get into a car or on public transportation to go for a walk or run, you’re going too far."

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Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.