Special to the Opelika Observer
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller signed an Executive Order today closing all city-owned and operated parks located within the City of Opelika to the public. This means that no person shall go upon or allow any child in his or her custody to go upon or otherwise use a city-owned park until the order is rescinded.
“This was not an easy decision to make. However, our health care professionals have recommended closing parks. We hope this measure and the customer limitations at local stores will help us recover sooner than later from COVID-19,” Fuller said. “I know exercise is important to the health and well-being of everyone. I ask that you just stay close to home. Walk in your neighborhood or exercise in your yard. Let’s do what we need to do at this critical time.”
This includes any city-owned and operated area of land open to the public for outdoor recreation, including baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts, outdoor playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, pickleball courts, golf disk courses, picnic areas, walking trails and dog parks. The parks closed, pursuant to this order, include, but are not limited to, Opelika Sportsplex (including amphitheater, outdoor walking and running track, Tumble Tree disk golf course and pickleball courts), Covington Recreation Center (including playground and picnic tables with grills), Denson Drive Recreation Center (including outdoor green space), Bandy Park (including ballfields, basketball courts and picnic areas), Floral Park (including softball fields, picnic area and dog park), Miles Thomas Field, Municipal Park (including playgrounds and picnic areas), Moore Stadium, Ray Ward Park, Shady Park, West Ridge Park (including ballfields, playgrounds, picnic areas and walking trails), Wood Duck Heritage Siddique Nature Park, Stern Park (including dog park) and Springvilla Park (except Springvilla Campground which shall remain open).
For more information, contact Community Relations Officer Leigh G. Krehling at 334-705-5136.