Playgrounds, such as this one at Tomahawk Park in northeast Cedar Rapids, are closed to the public beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Beginning Wednesday, March 25, Cedar Rapids is temporarily closing all park playgrounds and outdoor exercise stations to try to limit potential spread of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
An end date was not given for the closures.
Parks, trails and dog parks will remain open.
More: First coronavirus death reported in Iowa
Cedar Rapids also has suspended bus service beginning March 25 to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. The city noted that the suspension of transit “is being done in response to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the White House, and the Iowa Department of Public Health, which caution against gatherings of people to help limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Neighborhood Transportation Service (NTS) at Horizons will be expanding their after-hours service to provide day-time rides to work for those with critical employment transportation needs such as work at hospitals, grocery stores, care facilities, and convenience stores/gas stations. To schedule a ride, call 319-363-1321 at least 24 hours in advance. For more information about NTS services, schedules and regulations visit www.horizonsfamily.org.
Linn County LIFTS Paratransit service will continue to provide rides to existing customers for essential services including medical trips, pharmacy, dialysis or grocery. All other persons in need of essential medical transportation can contact LIFTS at 319-892-5170 to see if rides are available. Priority will be given to seniors and persons with disabilities. Vehicle capacity will be limited to follow social distancing protocols.
NTS and LIFTS fares will be waived until further notice.
Related: Linn County reports first cases of COVID-19
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, playgrounds are being closed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The city of Cedar Rapids issued the following today:
For the health and safety of the public, due to COVID-19, the City of Cedar Rapids is temporarily closing playgrounds and outdoor exercise stations in parks. Parks, trails and dog parks will remain open. The City asks the community to follow CDC guidelines and state recommendations pertaining to COVID-19 when using park facilities. The following are a list of recommendations:
Follow social distancing standards of a minimum of six feet between you and other park users.
Avoid areas where 10 or more people are gathered.
Do not use park amenities where social distancing cannot be followed.
Be aware that park restrooms are currently closed and water is not turned on. Please bring hand sanitizer with you.
Please carry out any trash that is brought into the parks.
If you have been sick in the last two weeks or have a cough, fever or other flu like symptoms, stay home for your health and the safety of others.
Individuals 60 years of age and older, or those with underlying conditions, should stay at home to avoid potential exposures.
Cedar Rapids has over 97 parks and trails on over 4,171 acres of land. The Parks and Recreation Department urges the public to explore smaller parks that are less congested when they go out. A complete list of parks with amenities is available at www.CityofCR.com/ParksFinder.
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