Coronavirus pandemic limits access to city parks
Due to the continued spread and concerns over the coronavirus, the city shut down playgrounds indefinitely and playing fields in all city parks. In addition, the portable restrooms have been removed and brick and mortar restrooms will remain locked. Jill Meier/BV Journal
Before giving the second reading of Ordinance 606 approval in special session March 31, the Brandon City Council made one significant revision to the ordinance: All city parks now have limited access.
Due to the continued spread and concerns over the coronavirus, the city shut down playgrounds indefinitely and playing fields in all city parks. In addition, the portable restrooms have been removed and brick and mortar restrooms will remain locked.
“I took some criticism on this this afternoon,” shared Alderwoman Dana Clark. “I just want the public to understand how important this is for the entire region to all follow in line to do their part of social distancing. If we didn’t close our parks and Sioux Falls did, then we’re just inviting people to come use our parks, so that’s not protecting our citizens. It’s the right call, it’s not popular, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Violation of the new ruling is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Alderman Dave Kull asked if residents can walk through the parks.
That is allowable, city administrator Bryan Read said, noting the public no longer has access to the playground equipment and the playing fields.
But two kids playing catch in the park is technically not allowed, Read said.
“Chances are, we’re going to take a somewhat friendly approach to ask them to leave first. If they choose not to, then we’ll take additional action,” he said.
Mayor Paul Lundberg said all of the playground equipment on school district property has also been closed down to the public.
“As I’ve told you all from day one, I will take all of my director from the mayor of Sioux Falls and the governor of the state of South Dakota. We are going to fall in line with the mayor of Sioux Falls with all of these things, that’s what we have to do. We have to have some sort of solidarity or whatever you want to call it, and my direction will be taken from these people,” he said.
Lundberg also placed his confidence in local law enforcement to monitor activity at the parks.
“I’m very sure the Brandon Police Department knows how to handle situations like this and will do a very fine job,” he said.
