FAIRHOPE – The city of Fairhope has reopened all areas of city playgrounds after facilities were closed in March to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The City Council recently voted to reopen the playing areas. Council President Jack Burrell said open areas had been reopened when the city opened other parks, but items such as slides and swings remained closed due to concerns about cleaning and disinfecting the equipment.
“We opened our playgrounds, but we barricaded off the playground equipment and the governor’s order, which was lifted at 5 p.m. last Friday, May 22, stated that entertainment venues would be opened subject to social distancing and in that definition of entertainment venues, it clearly states that a public park is an entertainment venue,” Burrell said.
Public Works Director Richard Johnson said city crews will spray the equipment with disinfectant each day.
“Basically, when the custodian goes to do the restrooms on a daily basis, to spray down the equipment,” Johnson said. “I think that’s reasonable care and something that’s doable.”
Councilman Jay Robinson said families should still take precautions and understand that others have used the equipment since it was disinfected.
“Reopen them with the same caveat that because it is a big outdoor public space, we can’t possibly disinfect it after use so you have to use some common sense and decide to go out there and if you do, then these are the risks that you’re taking,” he said.
