Minneapolis Park athletic courts, fields and playgrounds to slowly reopen amid new 'stay safe' order

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced Tuesday that athletic courts, playgrounds and fields will reopen over the next few weeks in accordance with the new 'stay safe' order. 

According to a release from MPRB, Gov. Walz's executive order 20-56 encourages public outdoor recreational facilities to open for families and children as long as those using them follow the outdoor recreation guidelines. 

The guidelines include:

• Practice social distancing of at least six feet, except for members of the same family.
• If it is not possible to maintain social distancing throughout an activity, then you should only participate in that activity with members of your household.
• Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people
• Avoid contact with shared amenities like playground equipment, picnic tables and benches. Assume such equipment has not been sanitized. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if you come in contact with shared amenities.

Along with asking the public the follow the guidelines, MPRB Park Ambassadors will continue to be in neighborhood and regional parks to provide information and encouragement to social distance. 

“I am grateful the new executive order encourages outdoor recreation facilities be open for families and children. I urge all Minneapolis residents take the state guidelines seriously, take personal responsibility, and practice social distancing in parks to protect themselves and others,” Superintendent Al Bangoura said.

Basketball courts, play areas, skate parks, sport fields and tennis courts will be reopening over the next two weeks with the expectation that no more than 10 people be using an amenity at a time and no team sports be played. 

Parks, trails, parkways, golf courses, dog parks, gardens, bike and boat rentals and boat launches are already open or will open soon.