City closes down playgrounds

SHAWANO — The city announced Tuesday it is closing down city playgrounds in compliance with the state’s stay-at-home order as part of the response to the COVID-19 health emergency.

Parks will remain open, but playground equipment will be sealed off, City Clerk Lesley Nemetz said.

The city released the following statement:

“Governor Evers has issued Emergency Order 12, the Safer At Home Order. Within the contents of this order, the City of Shawano is required to close our playgrounds until further notice.

“Please note that we will be keeping our parks open for those individuals that would like to engage in other outdoor activities such as walking, biking, hiking or running, so long as they are complying with the social distancing requirements provided by the State.

“Along with the playgrounds being closed, the order states that individuals may not engage in team or contact sports such as basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer or football.

“As a municipality, the last thing we want to do is tell you not to use our parks, however we are asking you to follow these guidelines to help keep yourself and your neighbors safe and healthy during these difficult times.”