APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton park amenities reopened Tuesday after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
“Many of the amenities that were closed as part of the governor’s order are now reopened. Those include our playground equipment, our tennis courts, our basketball courts, pickleball courts, athletic fields and the skateboard park,” Appleton Parks and Recreation Director Dean Gazza said.
Mary Moran of Appleton tells FOX 11 her grandkids are making the most of their free time at Pierce Park.
“Their parents both work, and I’m not working right now, so I’m helping with them. We’ve just been having a lot of fun, trying to keep up.
Gazza tells FOX 11 anyone using the parks should follow CDC guidelines.
“If you’re exhibiting symptoms or have an illness, you should stay home. The playground equipment using discretion. There’s others using the equipment. It’s not possible for us to be there to sanitize it on a continual basis. So just use caution. Bring sanitizer and wipes with you.”
Jim Van Handel and his son are taking precautions at Lutz Park.
“We just came to this one because it’s not so busy, so we’re still trying to be safe, but at least get out and have some fun.”
While city parks and playgrounds have opened up, park restrooms remain locked. The city needs employees to clean the park restrooms.
“Hopefully by the end of the week, we’ll have more information on that. That’s what we’ve been working on, is securing employees to do the cleaning, and then we’ll have the employees trained properly,” Gazza said.
Gazza says the parks department hasn’t made a final decision on when or if city pools will reopen this summer.
“We are optimistic and we’re looking forward to finding a way to open the pools at some capacity. Some of the challenges with the pools, naturally are on a warm day it does draw large crowds, and we’re monitoring the guidelines in place right now to figure out ways that we can safely open the pools.”
We do know one popular spot for Appleton-area kids to cool off will not be open in 2020.
The Outagamie County Parks Department operates Plamann Park Lake.
It says swimming will be off limits because staff couldn’t keep the park’s inflatables sanitized, and they’re not sure how the coronavirus reacts in fresh water.
