CITY: Avoid playgrounds, take health precautions when using parks or trails

City officials said Friday that those with symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19) should not be using parks or trails at this time.

Officials are advising Lincoln residents on how to stay safe while using City parks or trails.

City officials said Friday that those with symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19) should not be using parks or trails at this time. Symptoms include fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

The public is also advised not to use playground or exercise equipment because those surfaces are not sanitized. Officials are posting signs are playgrounds.

Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson also suggested residents follow personal hygiene recommendations before visintg these sites, and to take their own games, water, hand sanitizer and wipes. Johnson said it’s also important to stay at least six feet away from others.

Parks and Recreation has cancelled many events and has implemented changes at the public golf courses and at other facilities.

To comply with the event guidelines in the Health Department’s Directed Health Measures, the  Parks and Recreation Department will cancel all shelter rentals for events involving more than 10 individuals between now and May 6.  Staff will contact the event organizers with refund information, and those who want to adjust their gatherings to follow the new restrictions may contact the department at 402-441-7847 to reserve a facility.

More information is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov and parks.lincoln.ne.gov.