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06/17/2020 09:30 AMAs the weather warms up and people try to get outside more, the Clinton Parks & Recreation Department is encouraging people to be safe to reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19.
The pandemic has hit Clinton hard. There have been three deaths, all of whom were residents in their 70s. The latest numbers from the state indicated that there are at least 51 confirmed cases in the town.
When the virus arrived in Clinton, many normal components of life were halted as town facilities meant for both business and recreation were closed. As the state and town begin to reopen, Parks & Rec Director Robert Potter filled the Harbor News in on some guidelines that the department is putting out for the public.
As of now, fields, walking/hiking trails, and the town beach are all open. Potter asked that visitors to these areas observe social distancing guidelines and wear a mask when under six feet away from someone.
At the Town Beach, Potter said there will be a screener present to make sure each person who arrives at the beach will be made aware of the beach guidelines. Those guidelines include having blankets 15 feet away from each group and wearing a mask when under six feet from someone. Potter said that while he’s aware inland lakes are closed, there are no restrictions at this time preventing people from going in the water at the beach.
Non-residents will be allowed at the beach, but must pay a parking fee of $50 to $75. Resident parking passes range from $5 daily to $10 per season for seniors and military and $25 for others. Passes are available at the gate.
The bathrooms at the beach are open and are being sanitized three times a day, according to Potter.
The ability to correctly sanitize a facility is a key component to the town’s chances of reopening that facility. For example, on June 2, the skatepark, which had been closed since March reopened.
“The kids use the park are on their boards or bike on the concrete. They’re really not laying on it or whatever,” said Potter.
However, the basketball courts and playgrounds will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to the amount of contact that playground and ball surfaces receive.
“We’re abiding by the guidelines set by the governor’s office,” Potter said.
May 20 marked the official beginning for Connecticut’s reopening, and June 17 was set as the projected date for expanded services to open.
“The orders pointed to June 22 before we can allow camps to open,” Potter said, noting that he has received lots of questions from families about the status of camps.
“We’re just trying to move forward with the guidelines from the Governor and once things are lifted, we’ll state opening up more things. For the most part, people in Clinton have been respectful about these things,” Potter said.