PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Portage has announced that all playgrounds are closed to the public for an indefinite period of the time in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Portage city officials made the announcement of the closure on Tuesday.
“All park facilities, such as playground equipment, pavilions and picnic tables, as well as the South Westnedge Skate Park and Dog Park are closed for use,” officials said in a statement. “In addition, restrooms throughout the park system are closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
However, Portage parks, trails and greenspaces are still open for public use per Governor Whitmer’s guidelines, however, citizens must practice social distancing while utilizing them.
“The best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to the virus,” City Manager Joe La Margo said. “We strongly urge you to continue social distancing while in our parks.”
Proper social distancing recommends a minimum six foot distance between individuals whenever possible while in public.
The move is similar to a decision to close playgrounds in Kalamazoo made earlier this month.
Beginning Friday, March 20, all Kalamazoo Parks playground facilities and picnic pavilions were closed. Park open spaces and trails remain open, and the public is encouraged to use social distancing while in any park or open space.
“That was a really tough decision, but in talking with some of our other colleagues, we felt it was best to close down the playgrounds,” Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain said.
In addition to practicing proper social distancing in public, citizens should also continue to practice proper hygiene to avoid infection.
