Pittsburgh Closes Mt. Washington Overlooks, Basketball Courts

PITTSBURGH, PA - The city has closed the Mt. Washington overlooks and its basketball courts to further enforce social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak. City officials said in a release that they are taking those steps because while residents largely have been following directives to stay at least six feet from other people "others have not, especially in city parks."

Parks are remaining open, and residents are encouraged to use them to promote physical activity. But Public Works employees are removing basketball rims from courts and closing off the overlooks because people were not following social distancing rules in those area over the weekend.

Additionally, public safety officials will be monitoring soccer fields and other play areas to make sure social distancing rules are being followed. One soccer field in Riverview Park has already been
closed.

Playgrounds have already been shut down, but some have continued to let children use them: residents are reminded that park equipment and playgrounds may not be safe, as the COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces for days.

Residents should also maintain social distancing when using park trails, which have been extremely crowded in recent days.