City restricts use of parks and outdoor recreational areas

posted on: 4/1/2020

Dover Fire Chief Paul Haas, the city's Emergency Management Director, said today the city is restricting activity in all parks and outdoor recreational areas.

In accordance with federal and state guidelines limiting groups to no more than 10, and recognizing that increased occurrences of community spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus have been documented throughout the region, the city is taking the proactive step of limiting activities in its public parks, playgrounds and outdoor sports areas strictly to walking or running for fresh air or exercise, as permitted in Gov. Chris Sununu’s Emergency Order #17.

Residents and families are reminded to practice physical distancing with their children and follow guidelines from state and local health officials intended to curb community spread, including:

• Do not gather in groups of 10 or more in accordance with Gov. Sununu's emergency order on March 23.
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from other people at all times.
• Avoid touching surfaces including playground equipment, benches or other sports equipment that are handled by others.
• Do not participate in activities involving physical contact or the sharing of equipment such as team and contact sports.

Although parks and trails will remain accessible for walking or running, all other activities at these sites are no longer permitted until further notice. And a reminder that no infrastructure or equipment is being cleaned or wiped down.

For more information, visit the NHDHHS website, the CDC’s website, or call Dover Fire and Rescue at 516-6148.