Here’s what you can and can’t do at Miami parks during coronavirus state of emergency
COVID-19 is shutting down more of South Florida.
Big events such as Ultra, Miami Open tennis tournament, March Madness and the Youth Fair were canceled to decrease the risk of an outbreak.
And spring break also isn’t looking too good.
At least Miami’s public parks are open — if you don’t mind enjoying nature solo.
All Miami park permits, including for birthday parties, baby showers, youth soccer, baseball and pool training are canceled for the next 30 days to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The city says it also won’t be approving any new park permits, which are generally given to smaller events and gatherings held by families, groups and clubs for at least the next 30 days.
What does it all mean?
While you can still, run, walk and enjoy park amenities with a few friends or family members, you can’t host any planned events or activities which draw a large crowd such as birthday parties.
Miami’s Parks and Recreation Department said it might extend the permit suspensions longer depending on how the virus affects South Florida in the coming days.
The parks join other shutdowns. The U.S. State Department is warning people to not travel on cruise ships because of the increased risk of falling ill with the virus. You can also forget about taking a road trip to Disney World or Universal Studios. The theme parks have shut down because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The park permit suspensions began after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon, a day after Miami-Dade County’s mayor did the same.
What about the city park programs for those who are 55 and older?
All of those programs, including daily fitness and recreation classes and group lunches, are also canceled until further notice because of the higher risk senior citizens have of falling ill with the virus.
The seven parks affected by the temporary senior citizen program suspensions are:
▪ Charles Hadley Park, 1350 NW 50th St.
▪ Antonio Maceo Park, 5135 NW Seventh St.
▪ Maximo Domino Park, 801 SW 15th Ave.
▪ West End Park, 6030 SW Second St.
▪ Coral Gate Park, 1415 SW 32nd Ave
▪ Shenandoah Park, 1800 SW 21st Ave.
▪ Jose Marti Park, 351 SW Fourth Ave.
Anyone with questions about the cancellations can call Miami’s Park & Recreation Department at 305-416-1300.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 12:54 PM.
