Minneapolis parks remain open but many amenities being modified or closed for health of community

Minneapolis park visitors have continued to congregate despite efforts to educate and encourage safe social distancing. So, today, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced it is modifying or closing more of its amenities for the health and safety of park visitors and the community. Modifications and closures are expected to be complete by May 1.

“From the beginning, we have been following the guidelines of public health experts. We’re taking this necessary step to slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the health and safety of residents and their families,” explained MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “We have put a lot of effort into educating and encouraging social distancing, but we continue to see park visitors gathering during this national health crisis.”

Parks remain open however, based on public health recommendations the following amenities have, or soon will be, modified or closed:

By May 1: playgrounds, skateparks and athletic fields will be closed; tennis court nets removed; basketball court rims blocked or removed;

Already in place: volleyball nets will remain down and trail users need to remain six feet apart

As weather warms: signage will soon be added at picnic areas to limit gathering to 10 people or less and signage will be added to disc golf areas with social distancing guidelines, similar to new guidelines at MPRB golf courses

“We need to keep everyone in our public spaces safe. Reducing possibilities for public gathering is the safe thing to do at this time. We will continue to monitor how people adhere to social distancing guidelines throughout the park system,” said Jono Cowgill, MPRB President.

In addition to extensive news and social media messages about the need for social distancing, the MPRB has taken its own efforts to encourage park visitors to stay six feet apart. Within the past three weeks, the MRPB has opened parkway sections in nine locations to relieve congestion on trails and deployed approximately 2,700 multilanguage signs at parks, trails, playgrounds, courts and fields encouraging park users to protect themselves and protect others through social distancing. Two weeks ago, the MPRB launched its “do your part” campaign aimed at having park visitors practice social distancing to avoid the closures and modifications now taking place due to lack of compliance.

On April 11, the MPRB launched a Park Ambassador program using 150 park staff. Approximately 45 teams of two are out in the parks daily to provide information and encouragement on social distancing practices in neighborhood and regional parks. In the coming weeks, Park Ambassadors will begin providing outdoor programming aimed at youth and done in a manner that allows for safe social distancing.

“We recognize that our communities, particularly our youth, rely on park activities. I’m proud of the work our program staff are doing to develop virtual programs and modified summer park programs,” explained Bangoura.

MPRB Vice President LaTrisha Vetaw, who works in public health policy and advocacy, again voiced her concern that as an African American she is alarmed by the fact that black people are dying disproportionately across the country from COVID-19. She is urging community members to protect themselves and others in their household with the same plea she issued two weeks ago.

“Parks are such an important community asset—especially to those without a lot of resources. I completely understand the desire to meet your friends at the park for a game of basketball or soccer. However, doing so puts you and your family at risk. I am concerned by the number of young people I see congregating at parks in my neighborhood on the Northside. Black and brown communities are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID. Many of us live in multi-generational households. The young people I see at the park might not get sick themselves, but they might bring the virus home with them and infect their aunties and grandmas. So, please, follow social distancing guidelines. Use the parks but use them responsibly to protect your loved ones,” explained Vetaw.

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information about the MPRB’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and sign up to receive email updates at minneapolisparks.org/subscribe by selecting “COVID-19” in the “News Updates” section.