Effective immediately, all Borough playgrounds are closed to the public. Parks and Recreation discourages use of park shelters, picnic tables, and benches as a means of mitigating the transmission of COVID-19. Public health officials say that the Coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces common in playgrounds and other recreation facilities for days or longer. People of any age can get infected with COVID-19 and spread it to others whether or not they develop symptoms themselves. Parents and children could not only get a serious infection themselves by going to a playground but spread it to someone else with an even higher risk of severe complications or death.
Trails and greenspaces overseen by Parks and Recreation are permissible for public use at this time, although the Department is asking pet owners to leash their dogs in all open spaces. While the municipal code allows for dogs to be “off leash” if they are under competent voice command or under keeper’s control via electronic device, there is now a known case of a tiger from the Bronx Zoo, which has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Since the risk of transmission translates to animals, the Department is asking pet owners to leash their animals to mitigate contact with other park and trail users.
Please follow these guidelines: Refrain from using parks and trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. Follow CDC’s guidelines on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails. Prepare for no access to public restrooms. While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as they pass, step aside to let others pass. Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6 feet from other individuals. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space. Clean up and remove any dogs’ feces left by your dog.
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