BRENHAM PARKS AND REC ENCOURAGES SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACES

  

The City of Brenham Parks and Recreation Department is asking visitors to its parks and trails to keep in mind proper health guidelines and procedures.

One of the most prominent terms used during this COVID-19 pandemic has been “social distancing”, which calls for remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance whenever possible to limit the ability of the virus to spread.

Those guidelines also extend to public parks, trails, and open spaces.  Public Works Director Dane Rau said parks are “a great place to practice social distancing while burning off energy and getting fresh air”.  He said the city believes parks and trails can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the benefits these spaces provide.

Anyone planning to visit a local park is strongly encouraged by city officials to:

• Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms.
• Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
• Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings, no more than 10 people, including playscapes, pick-up sports, and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance.
• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from others.
• Play in the open spaces with loved ones.
• Bring their own play equipment and take it with them when they leave.
• While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, step aside to let others pass.

The city will keep its parks, trails, and open spaces accessible as long as it is safe to do so.

For further updates, visit www.cityofbrenham.org/covid19, or the Brenham Parks and Recreation Facebook page.