Some local parks in Merced County close in response to coronavirus. Others remain open

Some local parks in Merced County have closed or have limited access in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The westside cities of Los Banos, Dos Palos and Gustine have all closed their parks, in order to prevent people from gathering in large groups. The city of Livingston also closed its parks.

The goal is to also keep people off playground equipment, as the virus can live on surfaces.

“We’re closing the parks to ensure that we’re doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Los Banos Police Cmdr. Jason Hedden.

Hedden said if police don’t see a significant reduction in people violating the stay-at-home order, officers may begin issuing citations to those who fail to comply.

The order does not mean that people can’t go out and exercise, Hedden said. “Our hope is that everyone abides by this order and we don’t have to do any enforcement action.”

According to a Los Banos Police Department post, the penalty for the violation is $500 for each offense. Police also said parents can be issued the $500 citation if their under-18 child is found to be in violation of the stay-at-home order.

“We just hope people do their part here to help us out and stop the spread of this thing so we can get back to life as usual,” said Hedden.

Police encourage residents to also practice social distancing if they must leave home for essential services.

In Dos Palos, the closure includes playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball parks, fields, shelters, tables, benches, barbecue areas, parking areas and associated facilities, according to a police department post.

Dos Palos City Manager Darrell Fonseca said police will be driving past parks while on shift and will ask anyone gathering in groups or violating the shelter-in order to leave.

According to Livingston City Manager Jose Antonio Ramirez, the city passed an emergency order March 17, to close city parks in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Livingston park restrooms are closed and caution tape has been placed around park playgrounds. Public works employees have been working to disinfect playground equipment once a week, he said.

Areas where parks remain open

Atwater City Manager Lori Waterman said the city has made a conscious choice to not close the parks.

Waterman said the city recognizes that without trails and other outdoor spaces, families may benefit from access to the parks as long as they practice safe social distancing. The city has taken some measures to prevent people from congregating in large groups, such as removing basketball hoops and locking the skate park, according to Waterman.

The city has also locked public restrooms and working to sanitize playground equipment, according to Waterman.

Parks also remain open in the City of Merced, according to City Spokesperson Mike Conway.

Conway said the city is encouraging people to maintain social distancing and use the parks for exercise rather than play at this time.

According to Merced County Spokesperson Mike North, county parks and recreation areas currently remain open to the public.

“At this point county parks ares still open and OK to use, as long as people are practicing social distancing,” North said.

However, if people are found to be gathering in large groups, the county could potentially close parks, according to North.

North said the county plans to post signs at park locations encouraging visitors to practice social distancing. According to North, public restrooms at parks remain open to visitors at this time as the county continues to perform regularly scheduled maintenance and cleaning.

This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 10:52 AM.