Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issues plea for park users to follow social distancing
[KSTP/Ben Rodgers]
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issued a plea Wednesday to park and trail users of the city to take social distancing seriously.
In a release, the board said it continues to maintain and operate park land in the city for public use. However, since Gov. Walz’s "stay at home" order went into effect, they said they have been receiving a flood of calls that park users are disregarding social distancing guidelines by not staying six feet apart and even 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."
The release goes on to implore visitors to stay at least six feet apart, not participate in group activities where you are not able to be six feet apart, do not drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions as 97% of Minneapolis residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park and to use parks in moderation.