The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Parks, splash pads reopen after shutdowns
Children and families flocked to Elyria’s open parks and splash pads during the official opening June 16.
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the parks have been closed for two months.
Elyria resident Nicole Hanshaw, 47, said she is excited to return to the parks and playgrounds with her children.
“We come here everyday,” Hanshaw said. “My children love the park, especially the splash pads.”
With four children who enjoy the outdoors, Hanshaw said it’s been difficult explaining park closures to them.
“They would cry because they didn’t understand,” she said. “I mean they’re kids, so it happens.
“They didn’t get why we couldn’t come, and it was difficult.”
As the parks opened up, Hanshaw said she wanted to come back as soon as possible to enjoy her daily visits and picnic lunches with her family.
“Everything is so great here,” she said. “It’s always been so clean and nice; and we enjoy coming here. It makes me smile. Seeing them happy makes my day.”
During the summer months, Lorain resident John Lacey, 69, said he enjoys taking his grandson Andrew Mischick, 7, to parks and on walks.
In order to maintain
“Parents have to move out of their comfort zone and figure out what works best for their families. Every family is different and we don’t want to control you..” — Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield
safety, Lacey said Andrew wears a mask and has hand sanitizer.
“Everyone here [Cascade Park] respects social distancing,” Lacey said. “It’s been really nice and safe.”
With access to trails and paths, Lacey said he and Andrew often take walks.
However, Lacey said he was looking forward to seeing his grandson use park facilities again.
“It’s like you’re being in jail and when they removed the tape from the playground, we were on parole,” he said.
For Andrew, the exercise and playground activities were exciting and gave him something to look forward to.
“It made me want to go swimming,” he said. “I really liked going on the slide and going on the swings. I went so high.”
Going outside
Andrew said the lack of outdoor activities during the past several months were difficult to endure.
“I wanted to go outside,” he said. “I like to slide and I like the swings.”
Elyria Mayor Frank
Whitfield said he wants to make sure community members can enjoy their summer in a safe environment.
“We’re going to be cleaning them [the playground facilities and splash pads] regularly,” Whitfield said. “We want people to feel safe.”
As families make their way to the newly opened parks, the mayor said he wants to encourage parents to make responsible decisions for their families.
“We think parents can make the best calls for their children,” Whitfield said. “We want to empower parents to be responsible.
“We encourage folks to bring hand sanitizer and when children aren’t playing, to have them wear masks.”
Although the coronavirus pandemic still exists, Whitfield encouraged citizens to carry out their routines responsibly and safely.
“Parents have to move out of their comfort zone and figure out what works best for their families,” he said. “Every family is different and we don’t want to control you.
“We recommend you follow (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and state guidelines. We want to make sure we’re still enjoying life.”