NYC Dog Parks Close After Coronavirus Distancing Ignored

NEW YORK, NY — New York City's dog runs will close down after city dwellers continued to ignore social-distancing rules, parks officials announced Monday.

The city's Parks Department decided to close dog-runs across the five boroughs after receiving "numerous complaints" that there was still overcrowding despite guidelines to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

“We understand how important dog runs are to our furry, four -legged friends, but because of ongoing overcrowding, dog runs and dog parks will be closed," Commissioner Mitchell Silver said. "Our parks remain open otherwise, and they are great places to get fresh air and exercise for New York City pups, but it is very important to keep them on their leashes according to park rules and to social distance.”

(To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in NYC, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.)

The announcement comes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all New York City playgrounds to close on Friday.

The parks department is also removing basketball rims or tennis nets and locking up basketball, tennis and handball courts to prevent the crowding, officials said.

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

Coronavirus In NYC: What's Happened And What You Need To Know