City to Temporarily Close Play Equipment at City Parks

March 23, 2020 —  While the City of Wilsonville continues to encourage people to enjoy parks, trails and natural areas with social distancing modifications in place, the City is temporarily closing all play structures, sport courts, swings and other playground equipment at all parks as a precautionary measure. 

The COVID-19 virus can survive on hard surfaces like plastic or steel for up to 72 hours, making play structures particularly problematic because these areas cannot be adequately disinfected throughout the day to prevent the threat of transmission. 

“Each preventative move we make is aimed at keeping our community healthy,” City Manager Bryan Cosgrove. “We’re remaining aggressive, and advising everyone in the community to understand the importance of limiting all non-critical interactions.”

Signs are being posted this week at all parks and sports courts; caution tape or other tools may be used to discourage use at high-traffic locations.

Compliance and cooperation are appreciated to help “flatten the curve” of new transmissions and keep hospital systems from being overwhelmed by COVID-19, which is highly contagious and poses severe health complications for about 20 percent of people who test positive.  

Walking, hiking, biking, running and other park activities that do not involve bodily contact are optimal choices for youth and adults seeking outdoor activity. Other activities should be avoided or limited to groups of no more than 10 people.

The CDC cautions parents to minimize play dates among children at this time. If held, groups should be kept small and limited to those taking social distancing precautions. Older children should hang out in small groups and meet up outside, where it is easier to maintain a safe distance (six feet or more) from others.

To remain educated on COVID-19 prevention and response, visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority and Clackamas County Public Health Division.