Minneapolis Park and Rec Board closes all pools, beaches this summer due to COVID-19 concerns

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) made some tough decisions this week about what to close, including shuttering all pools and beaches for the summer.

"It's kind of sad, the stuff that we love to do in the summer and get out and be outside are closing because we need to stay safe," said one woman who enjoyed a walk around the lake on Friday.

MPRB made the decision to close all 12 of its beaches, 62 wading pools, two waterparks and the Webber Natural Swimming Pool because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Park board considers closing Minneapolis parks if better social distancing practices aren't used

"I'm not surprised, kind of anticipated that, little disappointing there's a lot of activity down here, I'm sure a lot of people are upset about that but I think it's just a sign of the times and it's probably what we had to do," said Curt Thompson, who lives in Minneapolis.

Some feel the decision was a bit premature.

"I think it might be a little early because summer hasn't even started," said Oliver Bastian, who lives in Minneapolis.

On its website, MPRB said, "The level of public congregation that takes place at aquatic facilities and the level of staff required to operate these facilities will make it impossible to open and manage these facilities safely this summer."

"I think it at least gives them an opportunity to get your head around it and adjust to it and be ready for it," Thompson said.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reached out to the board over the phone to talk about the closures and what the enforcement of the closures will look like, but has yet to hear back. The board did respond to some questions about the closures Friday, which you can see here.

For more information on what's open and closed within Minneapolis Parks, click here.