Skatepark, Basketball Courts to Remain Open

By Katie Bisaro

After considering the possibility of closing the skatepark in Memorial Park and basketball courts in Stanley-Deming Park, due to non-compliance with social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines in place relative to the ongoing COVID-19 health situation, the Village Board of Trustees have decided to keep both open for the time being.

At the Village Board meeting held last month on Tues., Jan. 19, the Board discussed concerns about the lack of mask wearing and social distancing at both the skatepark and basketball courts as well as the inequity of closing the playground at Stanley-Deming Park for the same reasons while keeping the other two areas open. It was decided that signage and awareness would be increased, and the topic would be revisited at the next meeting on Mon., Feb 1.

Letters Opposing Closure

Since the last meeting, the Board received several letters opposing the closures citing the physical, social and mental health well-being of those who use the facilities. The letters were read to the Board at the Feb. 1 meeting as a basis for further discussion on the matter.

Warwick resident Beth Glass wrote that her son, who is often at the skatepark, pointed out that social distancing while skating is a “no brainer” as to do otherwise would cause crashes. Another resident outlined her concerns on the social and mental health impacts on kids who, due to the pandemic, have increased their dependence on technology. The skatepark and basketball courts allow for necessary social interaction and increased physical activity. 

It was also pointed out that various school and recreational sports programs have started up and are taking place indoors. According to the letters, very often the groups at the skatepark are in fact siblings or close friends who are part of their quarantine “pod.”

The Board of Trustees agreed that there were benefits to keeping both areas open. Trustee Bill Lindberg, who serves as the Village liaison for parks and recreation, spent some time monitoring both facilities between the two meetings. At the basketball courts, he observed that, generally, no masks were worn even by those who were on the sidelines and not playing at all. Suggestions to the players to wear masks were not well received. 

At the skatepark, Lindberg reported that the athletes were more receptive to the mask suggestion. He also reported that signs that had been posted at the skatepark outlining the safety requirements and protocols had been removed. It was pointed out at the previous meeting, however, that there is no scarcity of information about the need and requirement for mask wearing and social distancing.

State, County Guidelines

Trustee Barry Cheney reported that basketball is considered a “high risk” activity, but under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s directive, high risk sports are allowed as of Feb. 1. He also spoke to the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) regarding skatepark activity and was told that, although the state directives are “silent” on that particular sport, the OCDOH doesn’t consider it a high risk sport. 

According to state guidelines regarding physical distancing, “responsible parties must ensure a distance of six feet is maintained among individuals at all times, whether indoor or outdoor, unless safety or the core activity requires a shorter distance.” Masks are required for those engaged in activity with a shorter distance required, such as basketball, unless the player is “unable to tolerate a face covering for the physical activity.” While on the sidelines, however, masks are required.

Mayor Michael Newhard commented that the weather would be curtailing, for the time being, any activity at the skatepark and basketball courts. He said that while constant monitoring is not feasible, the Village needs to be very specific in its signage with clear messages for the athletes. The signage also needs to be better secured at both locations. An increased social media campaign was also suggested, including the Village of Warwick Facebook page.

After considering the possibility of closing the skatepark in Memorial Park & basketball courts in Stanley-Deming Park, due to non-compliance with social distancing & mask-wearing guidelines in place relative to the ongoing COVID-19 health situation, the Village Board of Trustees have decided to keep both open for the time being.