Coronavirus Hamden: Playgrounds Shut Down, Parks Open; Here’s Why

HAMDEN, CT — In the ongoing effort to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Hamden’s playgrounds and playscapes are being shut down and secured, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng announced Saturday afternoon. Leng said that the town parks will remain open.

“I hate taking this action, but we need to take steps that will not be popular - but will directly impact public safety and hopefully save lives,” Leng wrote in a post on Facebook. “The biggest advice that we’ve been given is to have your government lead by example and show what is needed to reduce the exposure to this very serious virus and reduce the rate in which it spreads.

“In order accomplish this, and follow the Center for disease control guidance for reducing expose we must take all actions we can to implement “social distancing” and separation (6-10 ft apart is recommended), or simply, keeping people away from one another as much as possible, during this crisis, unless absolutely essential.

“To that end, they closed our libraries, our senior center, the school system shut down, after school programs have been suspended, and yes playgrounds need to be shut down. I am keeping all of our town parks open so the people can go out and enjoy the outdoors, get fresh air and exercise with their families -but ask that you please use them while keeping in mind the importance of social distancing, as well as washing your hands, not touching your face and other health safety recommendations given.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to get through this as a community and work to take the preventative measures that can save lives by reducing exposure and slowing infection.”

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