Middletown Bucks County: Stop Public Gathering In Our Parks
by Alex Lloyd Gross
It is okay to take a solo jog in the park, or grab a spot on some grass and read a book in the Middletown Park System. It is also fine to take your own children and have a catch with them. However, people have been seen abusing this privilege and not practicing social distancing.. They have been having group outings, and using the skate park, using picnic tables etc. This must stop, or either the entire park will be closed.
Most people have been adhering to social distancing protocols. They have been going into the actual playgrounds and using “high touch” attractions such as swings or other amenities. They are closed to everyone, including you. The fact that there is no one using them is not an invitation to disregard signs that have closed them. In a statement, the township said :”
Last week, the Township closed high-touch amenities, including playgrounds, basketball courts, and the skatepark. We are asking the public one final time to stop engaging in active and group recreation at Township park facilities. If this request continues to be ignored, the Township will have no other option but to close our facilities until further notice.
We realize our parks are an important outlet for individuals and families needing an escape and a place to exercise. Engaging in group activities and disregarding amenity closures jeopardizes the health of our community. We believe it is in the best interest of the community and public health to ensure our facilities do not become a breeding ground for the Coronavirus. We appreciate the cooperation, patience, and understanding of the community as we face difficult decisions every day”.