CSD closing playgrounds and other park amenities during Covid 19 shutdown

The Cosumnes Community Services District issued the following press release this afternoon

March 31, 2020

Elk Grove Playgrounds and Park Amenities Closed to Limit COVID-19 Spread

Elk Grove, Calif. – Elk Grove officials are stepping up safety measures to discourage large gatherings and slow the spread of COVID-19 within the city. The Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) announced today that they will close public playgrounds, sports fields and courts, and other park amenities at the 98 parks in Elk Grove.

As of today, there are 31 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Elk Grove and 265 cases in Sacramento County. Two of the eight COVID-19 deaths in the county to date were residents of Elk Grove. As health officials brace for an anticipated increase in confirmed cases county-wide over the next two weeks, local agencies are working hard to balance the stay-at-home directive with the fact that outdoor, recreational activities remain permissible under Sacramento County’s Public Health Order.

“Outdoor recreation continues to be an important way for people to stay healthy and manage stress, but we must do it safely and with proper physical distancing,” said Joshua Green, General Manager for Cosumnes CSD. “After careful consideration, we determined that we must provide clear guidance to Elk Grove residents, followed by visible actions, to keep people safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

Although Cosumnes CSD installed signage at its parks last week to discourage the use of playgrounds and promote social distancing, there have been reports of large and small gathering and sports games at its parks that do not adhere to social distancing orders.

Cosumnes CSD will implement the following closures beginning on April 1 and remaining in effect until further notice:

Athletic fields
Sport courts
Playgrounds and play equipment
Skate parks
Group picnic shelters

Elk Grove parks and trails remain open for “passive recreation” such as walking, running and biking. Visitors are advised not to congregate in groups and to maintain at least six feet of distance from other people.

“The City supports the measures the CSD is taking to protect our residents,” said Elk Grove City Manager, Jason Behrmann. “We hope that the community will comply with the closures for their own safety, and the safety of those most vulnerable, to slow the spread.”

To report violations of the public health order, Sacramento County residents may call 311. For more information about Sacramento County’s COVID-19 cases and public health orders, visit www.saccounty.net/COVID-19.