PARD closes park amenities

The Parks and Recreation Department has closed all park amenities – with the exception of restrooms and water fountains – in an effort to comply with the recent shelter-in-place order and promote social distancing. Basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks and pavilions have now closed, joining the playgrounds and exercise equipment that were closed last week. Places where social distancing can safely be maintained remain open, such as park green space, trails and golf course green spaces. All permanent restroom structures are cleaned and sanitized several times a day. “This decision was made after deliberation and consultation with the Austin Public Health department and city leadership,” the parks department said in a press release. “While in ordinary times park amenities provide countless benefits, these amenities under current circumstances hinder the ability for individuals to practice physical social distancing.” Signs will be going up to remind the community of the closures. PARD encourages those all using open spaces to practice social distancing and maintain a distance of six feet away from all others who may be using the area.