4 Brooklyn Playgrounds Close Over Lax Coronavirus Distancing

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Next time you defy social distancing in Prospect Park, think about what happened after youngsters did so at city park playgrounds.

The city on Tuesday took away playground privileges for 10 play areas, including four in Brooklyn. A "lack of regard for social distancing" amid the new coronavirus outbreak prompted the closures, according to a mayor's office spokesperson.

The timeout affects two playgrounds in Fort Greene Park, Middleton Playground in Williamsburg and Brighton Playground in Brighton Beach.

City officials have grappled with crowds in parks, most prominently Prospect Park, showing an apparent lack of concern for social distancing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo himself called it a public health issue.

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Some feared park closures could next after officials shut down team sports, took the rims off basketball hoops and canceled events. Indeed, officials promised trouble spots would be closed.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said during Tuesday new conference he fulfilled that promise.

"I have been very clear: if we see a problem spot that's recurrent, we're going to shut it down," he said. "Those are playgrounds that had crowding multiple times — they will be shut down, they will be locked, there will be signs put up there and there will be enforcement."

The playgrounds closed Tuesday include Jacob Javits, Raoul Wallenberg Playground in Harlem, Watson Gleason Playground in the Bronx, Mauro Playground in Queens and Clove Lakes Park's two playgrounds in Staten Island.

Patch writer Anna Quinn contributed to this report.

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