Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issues plea to park and trail users to take social distancing measures seriously

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is asking for the public’s help in keeping parks and trails open while protecting the health and safety of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MPRB has continued to maintain and operate more than 6,800 acres of park land while it opened sections of four parkways or park roads to pedestrians and placed hundreds of signs at popular park locations telling people to stay six feet apart to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, since Gov. Walz’s Stay at Home Order went into effect, MPRB staff, commissioners and park police have been flooded with reports of park users disregarding social distancing guidelines by crowding popular park locations and trails, not staying six feet apart, and participating in team sports and group activities.

“Outdoor recreation opportunities are important for people of all ages during this stressful time,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the MPRB. “But we need people to take the Governor’s orders and social distancing seriously. Everyone needs to do their part to protect others and protect themselves. We are aware of park closures in other states and would hate to have it come to that in Minneapolis.”

Closure of popular, previously crowded parks has already happened in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

“I encourage everyone in the metro area, including Minneapolis residents, to use their local neighborhood parks that are within walking distance rather than flock to the busiest parks in our system. If park visitors need to travel by car to get to a Minneapolis park, I urge them to explore the park system beyond its most popular spots,” said Jono Cowgill, President of the MPRB. “We recognize Minneapolis parks are popular and vital to the wellbeing of our city and region, but right now we need people to understand the importance of social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep our parks open.”

The MPRB is imploring all its park users to strictly comply with the following measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep the park system open:

Stay at least six feet apart from other park users not part of your household.

This means you may have to go a little slower and be mindful of others as you pass.

Do not participate in group activities where you can’t always stay six feet apart .

No pickup basketball, soccer, football, volleyball or other team sports. No group activities with people from outside your household, like grilling, hammocking or sunbathing in close proximity.

Do not drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions.

97% of Minneapolis residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Use the parks and open space available in your neighborhood.

Use parks in moderation.

Visit parks for a walk, bike or roll, but do not hang out at the park all day.