Columbia Parks and Recreation adding restrictions to parks due to COVID-19

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some Columbia parks will soon have added restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Columbia Parks and Recreation Director Mike Griggs said the department will add signs to basketball, tennis and pickleball courts to clearly state they are closed.

"Our biggest problems have been on our sports courts. That's where we've seen groups show up and then a game starts and it just escalates from there," Griggs said.

He added that along with signs indicating court closures, park rangers and local authorities will be cracking down on anyone not abiding by social distancing and social gathering guidelines.

Griggs said people on the city's trails have done a good job practicing social distancing, but the trails have been a little crowded.

"The trails are just crowded, so we're trying to get the word out to people to go to other trails around the city," Griggs said.

He mentioned that the city will be blocking off the west runway that leads to the tennis courts and playgrounds at Stephens Lake Park to add extra walking space.