CHARLOTTE, N.C. — TUESDAY UPDATE: Following clarification/guidance that was released over the weekend regarding the Mecklenburg County stay-at-home Order, all Park and Recreation sports courts in Mecklenburg County are now closed.
Officials tell Channel 9 Mecklenburg County is taking down volleyball nets, tennis courts are being locked and basketball nets are being zip-tied. The county is also putting up signs saying playgrounds are closed and will heavily monitor the use of sports courts.
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MONDAY ARTICLE: Keep your distance and join Meck County Parks and Rec nature challenge
Parks and greenways are typically popular spots during springtime months but with kids learning from home and many people working from home because of stay-at-home orders from local and state governments, more people are spending time outdoors.
Mecklenburg County health officials are encouraging residents to be active and county parks remain open, but they’re also reminding people to observe social distancing.
On Sunday, Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris said officials were using the weekend to gauge whether more restrictions are needed.
“Based on what we saw yesterday with the parks, with the lakes, with the sandbars, and other types of situations in our community, there are still a lot of people who are not taking it seriously,” Harris said.
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Officials are asking people who visit any of the county’s parks, greenways and nature preserves to observe the CDC’s recommended social distancing guideline of six feet (minimum) and to not gather in groups larger than 10.
In addition, playgrounds, restrooms and all indoor facilities have been closed and games such as basketball and tennis are not allowed.
After a busy weekend at area parks, officials with the county’s Parks and Recreation department are trying to make social distancing a fun challenge.
Mecklenburg County leaders frustrated with lack of social distancing
Mecklenburg County leaders are frustrated that parks and Lake Norman sandbars continue to be packed and people aren’t social distancing.
Other places across the country have taken different measures to address these concerns.
In Morganton, basketball rims were taken down to prevent pickup games.
South Carolina closed all the boat ramps, and California banned parking at state parks.
Other communities are taking other measures to try to flatten the curve.
The town of Chesterfield has a curfew, while Mecklenburg County does not.
In Philadelphia, restaurants can only offer take-out if people call ahead or order online. Here in Charlotte, you can pop in and order.
In New Jersey, law enforcement is cracking down on violators of the stay at home order and made at least eight arrests. CMPD's major focus is education, leaders said.
Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Harden, D-District 5, said she wouldn't be surprised if commissioners are presented with tighter restriction options this week.
“The moral of the story is everybody has to take the guidelines seriously,” Harden said. “No one is safe from being infected, and we all must do our part in our community to save lives.”
It is unclear what further restrictions Mecklenburg County will take and when.
Since there are Mecklenburg County and statewide stay at home orders, whichever order has tougher rules, is the one that is applicable.
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Using the iNaturalist app on a mobile device, outdoor enthusiasts can log on and participate in the “Social Distance Nature Challenge.”
Users can upload photos of trees, plants or animals for environmental educators to help identify.
To learn more about the program, click here.
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