In an effort to encourage social distancing, the City of York Department of Public Works will be making changes to city parks that include restricting access to playground equipment, skateboarding facilities, and basketball courts. Similar efforts have been implemented locally by the County of York and West Manchester Township where playgrounds and swing sets have been closed. Nationally cities like New York City, Denver, and Louisville have made these changes to encourage social distancing.
Restricting access to playground equipment is important as children could potentially be exposed to coronavirus on hard surfaces through increased gathering, and through high-contact sports. According to The New England Journal Of Medicine coronavirus may live on hard plastic and metal surfaces, such as playground equipment, for up to 72 hours. Due to school closures, we have seen increased gathering at skateboarding facilities. Basketball is a high-contact sport, and impossible to play while maintaining social distancing.
City parks and green spaces remain open to encourage our city residents to get outside, exercise, and stay active. Residents are asked to maintain 6-foot social distancing.
