Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced during his weekly Friday update the closure of many city athletic facilities – citing the need for “operational changes” to combat spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Due to the social nature of athletic activities, and certain park activities, we are closing all city baseball, softball, and soccer fields – and basketball courts,” Strickland stated.
“Additionally, we are closing dog parks, and skateboard parks effectively immediately,” he added.While Tom Lee Park has remained open under limited hours, the mayor said that city parks could soon completely shut down if social distancing guidelines are not followed.
After locals crowded Tom Lee Park for social and athletic mingling, park officials turned into “social distancing police” to ensure the standard 6-foot distance was enforced, WREG Memphis reports.
“If we continue to see what we saw yesterday at Tom Lee Park, we will have to close parks,” Strickland added.However, it should be noted that Shelby Farms was also crowded with many Memphians trying to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
As of Saturday morning, park-goers are now implementing social distancing practice, and a new sign warns that Tom Lee Park hours end at 6PM, Local Memphis notes.
