Providence Removes Basketball Rims, Nets, Soccer Goals - New Restrictions on Parks & Public Spaces
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
The City of Providence is cracking down on access to public parks and spaces.
On Tuesday, Providence City Councilman Michael Correia posted pictures of city workers removing basketball rims -- and nets -- at Joslin Park.
The move comes as Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza closed all parks on Tuesday.
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Correia said rims and nets were being removed Tuesday at Valley Street and Fargnoli Park, and in some instances across the city -- where rims and nets cannot be removed due to being one piece -- nets are being zip tied.
In addition, soccer goals are being dismantled and removed, according to Correia.
"That still won't stop people -- you can still go out with a ball, with cones," said Correia. "But people see it every day on the news that these spaces are closed -- they need to follow the rules. These aren't kids we're talking about either. The police can only do so much. You're an adult and you know better."
City Announcement
On Tuesday, Elorza announced updates regarding the closure of all Providence public parks, green spaces, dog parks, sports fields and courts and off-road trails on Tuesday.
As of 12:00PM today, April 7, all Providence parks, green spaces, dog parks, sports fields and courts and off-road trails-- including Roger Williams Park, North Burial Ground, Blackstone Boulevard and Pleasant Valley Parkway—are closed for pedestrian and recreational use until May 1.
As of Wednesday April 8, all golf courses in the City of Providence will also be closed. Providence Police will continue to enforce these restrictions with the assistance of city staff. Additional security measures will be put in place at facilities across the city this week to ensure compliance.
Residents are encouraged to follow current social distancing guidance including maintaining a minimum of six-feet distance between people and limiting groups to five (5) or fewer. It is recommended that residents wear face protection whenever leaving their homes (including bandanas or fabric masks) which cover the nose and mouth and are primarily used to keep others safe from the spread of germs. Surgical masks and N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
Additionally, all restrictions and prohibitions put in place by the City of Providence through Executive Order related to the current State of Emergency will be continued through May 1. Mayor Elorza is expected to sign an Executive Order later today to this effect.
Drivers and Pedestrians Cautioned
Drivers at this time are encouraged to also use additional precautions as many residents continue to walk and ride bikes throughout the city.
Additional provisions, such as eliminating the need for manual activation of crosswalk buttons at city-maintained traffic signals, have been put in place to ensure safety and reduce contact with surfaces at high-traffic intersections and will be implemented permanently citywide. Moving forward, the pedestrian walk signal will be displayed automatically without the need to press the button at city-maintained traffic signals throughout the city.
For more information on COVID-19 and best practices, residents can visit the city website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting www.PVD311.com or downloading the PVD311 mobile app on smart phones for 24/7 access.
Residents can register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications by phone, email, text, and/or mobile alerts for the latest updates from the City and to reach out to the Rhode Island Department of Health's COVID-19 Assistance Line at 401-222-8022 Monday through Friday during regular business hours should they have additional questions.
