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Some are not fans of social distancing: Vandalism reported at Peoria parks

Posted 4/14/20

It appears some Peoria residents are not fans of social distancing.

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Some are not fans of social distancing: Vandalism reported at Peoria parks

Posted

It appears some Peoria residents are not fans of social distancing.

Peoria Independent has confirmed cases of vandalism at local parks — removing city signs that alert residents of park amenity closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Director Chris Calcaterra said unfortunately signs are being removed, but education is being provided regarding social distancing and the pandemic.

Park ranger staff is replacing posted signs to inform park users of closed amenities, he said.

“We also have posted signs and flyers to help inform and educate residents on the CDC guidelines for practicing social/physical distancing as they enjoy our parks and trails system,” Mr. Calcaterra said.

Last month, Peoria ordered the closure of many amenities within city parks in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Parks remain open, but closures include park restrooms, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks, select sports fields and any group play areas. Ramada reservations are also canceled through April 30

Park rangers have papered city parks with flyers exclaiming the closures of playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic facilities and other amenities based on guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to COVID-19 and social distancing.

The flyers inform residents that groups of 10 or more are not permitted to congregate, to maintain 6-foot distances from others, that pick-up basketball games are not permitted, and that coronavirus survives on surfaces.

Social distancing orders were brought down from the federal government and put in place in Arizona by executive order of Gov. Doug Ducey.

City of Peoria officials confirmed family gatherings on Easter Sunday at local parks and a flag football pick-up game played in a retention basin at Pioneer Park.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Stein said the city wants its residents to enjoy Peoria parks, open spaces and trails, but in a safe manner and in compliance with proper social distancing as indicated in the governor’s recent executive order.

She said the city has taken several steps to update posted signs in parks, prepare additional outreach messaging and have increased staffing onsite to educate and encourage park users to enjoy and voluntarily comply.

“Regardless, there may be a small number of individuals who do not comply, and as a result, there may be concerns reported by our community about social distancing in parks, local businesses, faith-based organizations, HOA pocket parks and private turfed retention areas, etc.,” Ms. Stein said.

The city is asking that all cases related to non-compliance with the governor’s executive order be reported to the Peoria Police Department using the non-emergency number, 632-773-8311.

The dispatch center will then prioritize and route them as appropriate, Ms. Stein said.

“Our goal is to continue educating on proper social distancing and only resort to enforcement as a final option,” she said. “The use of this singular contact number for social distancing concerns will be in place until such time the governor’s executive order is rescinded and/or modified.”

Experts say one of the best ways to slow the spread of novel coronavirus is social distancing, that is, deliberately increasing the physical space between people. Staying at least 6 feet away from others and avoiding groups of 10 or more lessens the chance of catching COVID-19 and decreases the risk of overwhelming the medical system.

Peoria police spokesman Brandon Sheffert said that overall, most residents abide by the governor’s executive order.

“When we respond to a call or encounter someone who is not abiding, our response is to educate them. With assistance from the office of communications, we created flyers that police officers, park rangers and code officers can hand out to citizens that explain the order in both English and Spanish,” he said. “Education efforts have been successful. We serve a great community and we truly appreciate the compliance and the overwhelming support.

Philip Haldiman can be reached at 623-876-3697, phaldiman@newszap.com, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman.