Updated: Lexington closes city playgrounds, park restrooms and FCPS shuts playgrounds
The city of Lexington is now closing playgrounds, public restrooms and barricading parking lots at the city’s more than 100 parks to stop large groups of people from gathering and spreading the coronavirus.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said Monday the move was necessary because people are not practicing social distancing despite Friday’s announcement the city was closing all playing fields, basketball courts, skate parks and golf courses. In addition, the city closed its two large natural areas —McConnell Springs and Raven Run.
“Our parks are open to joggers and walkers,” Gorton said. “Do not go in groups.”
Stay six feet apart, she said.
“We need everyone on board to make this work,” Gorton said.
Lexington Parks and Recreation Director Monica Conrad said signs will be posted on all playgrounds starting Monday. The city was also working Monday to shut down restrooms and barricade parking lots.
Gorton said the city’s six dog parks will remain open for now.
Other cities, including Louisville and Covington, have taken similar steps to clamp down on large group gatherings in city parks. Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear called on mayors and judge-executives to monitor parks and take action if too many people were gathering.
Lisa Deffendall, a spokeswoman for the Fayette County Public Schools, said the school system is also moving to lock down play areas on public school property.
“We fully support calls by the governor and mayor to encourage social distancing and discourage people from gathering in groups,” she said. “ The athletic facilities at all of our high schools have been locked and closed to the public since March 13. Last week we began the process of taking down or covering the basketball hoops at our middle and elementary schools. We have also closed off access to any of our playgrounds where fencing allows us to do so.”
The University of Kentucky took down its basketball hoops on campus last week, said Jay Blanton, a spokesman for UK.
It also barricaded the parking lot to the UK Arboretum on Alumni Drive to keep people out.
“While we understand the desire ... to get out in this beautiful weather, we made the decision in the best interests of everyone’s health and in accordance with the federal and state guidelines,” Blanton said.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 10:54 AM.
