Remember Parks are Open Playgrounds are Not

Faribault Parks and Recreation Director Paul Penansky says the Governor's order for people to stay at home required the closure of playgrounds but not parks. Governor Tim Walz has stated during his daily news conferences getting outdoors is a positive thing as long as people still practice social distancing.  The people must be healthy also.

Penansky told KDHL/POWER 96 authorities don't want to see mass groups of people in the parks but a couple people playing Frisbee or catch is okay.  There is snow fencing around virtually all the playground items in the City of Faribault parks.

The Faribault Parks and Recreation Director says so far they have not seen groups of kids or young adults having pickup games in the parks at the basketball courts.  If they see any of that activity, "The rims are coming down."

Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander told us today there are no blockages of playground equipment in his city and people have been very good about staying indoors.

The Kenyon Police Chief said a number of people have been out walking by couples or small families and "It's kinda refreshing to be honest seeing that."  He added, "One of the things I'd really like to emphasize to people though is don't congregate around the fire pits because it's causing calls for service. Public safety has to go out and break up these mini get-togethers.  We just can't stress it enough you need to stay apart for now."

"The sooner we all do this the sooner it's all going to be over for us in our area.  Practice good hand washing, disinfecting and so forth.  I know you want to be with your friends and I do too, but we can't do that now."