Kalamazoo Times

Kalamazoo's city parks remain closed as the city and state try to tame the spread of COVID-19. 

The parks were closed, according to comments from Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain reported on mlive.com, that large gatherings were happening at the public facilities and policymakers decided to shutter the locations effective April 7. 

“Public safety has been continually trying to educate people when they come across them at parks to please protect themselves, and please protect their relatives and families and not gather,” Chamberlain told MLive. “But as we go on, we’ve had to make some adjustments and this is one of those changes we have had to make.”

Regardless of city parks being closed, state trails are open but encourage social distancing. 

“In order to continue to keep state parks and trails open, we expect everyone to follow effective social distancing practices, to not litter and not travel long distances to enjoy the outdoors,” Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said in a news release. “If concerns continue to build, the DNR will have to look at closing or further limiting access to our state-designated trails, state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations.”

But Michiganders can continue to exercise in other ways outside as well. 

“Just because we are social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and go for a walk, as long as you stay six feet away from other people, you definitely need to get out and move," Kalamazoo County Commission Chairwoman Julie Rogers told MLive.