Parks issue a plea for civility

Austin and Travis County are asking residents to exercise a little more kindness toward park rangers working to enforce social distancing guidelines put in place to slow the spread of Covid-19. “Since March of this year, Austin PARD park rangers and park monitors have been assaulted both physically and verbally on at least six different occasions while working for our community. These incidents include employees being yelled and cursed at, pushed into the lake, threatened with weapons, punched, and pushed to the ground,” notes a press release from the county and city parks. “We understand it can be frustrating when Travis County Parks have to close once they reach capacity, but we have these measures in place to ensure everyone’s well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Charles Bergh, Travis County Parks director. “Please know that our hard-working staff is there to help you enjoy Travis County parks safely and whenever possible. In return, we ask that you do your part by wearing face coverings when needed and staying six feet from one another as much as possible to help flatten the Covid-19 curve.” Information about area park closures and guidelines can be found on the city’s website and the county parks website.