Gates at some Columbus parks are closed. Are citizens still allowed to access them?
Neither a statewide shelter-in-place mandate from the governor nor a local order from the city mayor have closed Columbus parks, but residents may still see gates at many local parks locked for the foreseeable future.
That’s because the overarching message being sent by both entities is simply to stay at home.
The basic rule of the “shelter in place” is that people remain in their residences and take every possible precaution to limit social interaction to prevent the spread or infection of COVID-19, according to Kemp’s order.
Exceptions are made for essential travel, intended to allow business owners to keep their businesses viable and allow people to obtain food and medical care.
Though both Governor Brian Kemp and Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson have ordered that parks can remain open so long as people obey six-foot social distancing rules, people gathering in large groups and ignoring social distancing guidelines has been a problem, especially at local parks where driving in and parking is convenient.
Henderson said Monday that local sheriff deputies closed gates at several city parks to deter such large gatherings.
“The parks are still available and open to pedestrians, people that want to go out there and get some exercise, though we encourage them to get that exercise in their neighborhoods,” Henderson said. “Our daughter has been locked down with us here at the house from Atlanta and brought her dog and we walk every morning and we walk in our neighborhood. If somebody else is walking we cross to the other side of the street.
“The underlying theme of this is stay the heck at home, it’s not that difficult.”
In a March 27 order, Henderson closed facilities and recreational equipment located within the parks through April 30, including but not limited to tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, exercise stations, pavilions and playground equipment.
Kemp’s order also states that citizens can visit state parks and play sports outside, including golf, subject to certain restrictions. According to the order, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person at all times.
“If people congregate in certain areas of a state park or golf course, for example, law enforcement will warn them to disband,” the order reads. “If they fail to comply, they may face criminal charges.”
The governor’s office has provided ways for citizens to report violations of the stay at home order and social distancing regulations.
Those wishing to file a complaint online can visit the constituent services page of the governor’s website, gov.georgia.gov/contact-us/constituent-services. From there, a drop-down menu allows citizens to select “COVID-19 concerns” and fill out a form with their complaint.
Citizens can also contact their local sheriff’s department (dial 706 - 653 - 4225 for Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office), their local Department of Public Safety Communication Center (dial 770-254-7201 for Troop D), or the Department of Natural Resources (dial 1-800-241-4113).