The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Cities preparing to reopen play spaces
The state of Ohio announced playgrounds will be among a number of facilities eligible to reopen June 10.
In the lead up to the June 4 decision, cities such as Avon and Avon Lake were grappling with resident concerns and balancing the health and safety risks in determining how to get youngsters back on the playgrounds.
Avon shut down recreation facilities early in the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor Bryan Jensen said the city will plan to reopen playgrounds with the hope that families closely will follow the guidelines.
“We will have signage around the playgrounds, indicating the governor’s guidelines as a reminder for those using them,” Jensen said. “We will be disinfecting the equipment as best we can and count on the individuals (and their parents) to social distance and follow the guidelines.
“We will not be policing these areas. I am anxious to have the kids back on the playgrounds.”
Avon Lake
Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka said the city will reopen playgrounds in addition to the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center and in the cottage district area, also known as the 45s.
Zilka has been asking the community for patience as the city awaited guidance from Gov. Mike DeWine.
In a June 1 statement, Zilka said he had received a number of calls from residents about the issue.
The city had covered playgrounds with police tape to discourage their use.
However, Zilka said someone in the community removed the tape at Inwood Park, 347 Inwood Blvd., prompting some confusion in the community.
“This creates a situation that really concerns me, because then you have people who show up and see there’s no tape, well they must be open,” he said. “And then you have people playing on a facility that they may assume that is safe, and maybe assume has been cleaned by the city which it hasn’t.”
The mayor added he understands the community’s frustration, but the city is taking a cautious approach.
In a statement, DeWine said the decision is in line with health and safety restrictions and stressed the importance of everyone doing what they can to help keep each other safe.
“As I’ve said, Ohioans are able to do two things at once,” the governor said. “We can continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 while we safely reopen our economy.
“It is up to each of us to do what we can to keep each other safe and choose to keep six feet of social distance, wear masks and maintain good hand hygiene.
“The threat of COVID-19 remains, and while it’s our responsibility to keep each other safe, business owners and employees should do their part to ensure customers visit safely, by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces regularly.”