FERNDALE, Wash. — City of Ferndale parks have been closed since March 19th due to health safety concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Friday, October 16th, they are being reopened, but not without some pandemic-related restrictions.
City staff announced the reopening decision earlier this week saying it came “after consulting local public health experts and the neighboring municipalities.” The reopening was delayed a few days to allow time for signs with the updated rules to be printed and posted and for Public Works crews to do safety inspections and rehang the swings according to city staff.
Park goers are being asked to follow these COVID-related restrictions:
- observe physical distancing as much as possible
- wash hands frequently
- wear a mask if 5-year-old or older
Mayor Greg Hansen is quoted in the announcement as saying, “The greatest danger is people gathering in groups with people outside their household. All users of the park who are 5 years or older are required to wear a mask while on the playground and those who are two to four are strongly recommended to wear a mask.”
The playgrounds will not be sanitized or cleaned beyond their regularly scheduled maintenance so the public will be playing at their own risk according to the announcement. Hansen is also quoted as saying, “If there is an outbreak, we may need to revisit this decision.”