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03/27/2020 12:00 AMMaybe it was the nice weather, combined with a case of nothing else to do. Whatever the reason, too many have ignored COVID-19 closures of North Branford's outdoor basketball courts which kicked in on March 25. In light of receiving continuing reports of groups gathering to play, North Branford Police Department (NBPD) removed hoops from courts at two town parks on March 27.
"The decision has been made to remove the basketball hoops from Memorial Park and Northford Park," NBPD shared in a March 27 post on its Facebook page. "NBPD has received numerous complaints from residents concerning the large groups of youths gathering at these locations (groups of 20,30 and sometimes 40 individuals). Due to the executive orders from Governor Lamont and Department of Public Health, we have decided this action is necessary at this time. We know this decision will be unpopular to some but the concern is for the health and well being of all the residents in our community. Your health is our utmost concern. We will have the hoops reinstalled when the State of Connecticut deems it safe for our community. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding and please continue to practice the recommendations of the Connecticut Department of Public health."
North Branford Parks and Recreation announced the closing of all public playgrounds and basketball, tennis, and pickle ball courts on March 25, saying also that those areas should be avoided.
"Unfortunately, these activities cannot be conducted while maintaining a safe distance or avoiding repeatedly touching objects touched by others," the department stated in its notice of closure.
The across-the-board closures were an added step to the department's inital notification that playgrounds were closed as of March 20. The department posted COVID-19 closure signs at all outdoor recreational facilities as an added notification to the public.