May 26, 2020

Governor Requests Cities Enforce Social Distancing

Governor Beshear has Requested Cities to Enforce Social Distancing in City Parks and Public Spaces

Governor Andy Beshear asked that mayors and city government closely monitor their parks and other public spaces where people are failing to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kentucky Department for Public Health guidelines on social distancing and public gatherings. The governor is calling for city leaders to close and ban public access to those public areas where violations are occurring during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The governor has directed state parks to take the same action.

Cities that keep outdoor recreational areas open should condition use on compliance with social distancing and public gathering guidelines. Individuals that violate the guidelines should be required to leave.

The Kentucky League of Cities recommends that cities completely close access to the following outdoor recreation areas during the state of emergency:

  • Basketball courts;
  • Tennis courts;
  • Picnic or meeting pavilions and shelters;
  • Park restrooms;
  • Skate parks;
  • Access to playground equipment or other outdoor attractions that encourage or require physical contact by participants with one another or with stationary equipment; and
  • Any other park or public space attraction where gatherings that make it impossible or difficult to observe social distancing requirements have occurred or are likely to occur.  

With questions, contact KLC Muncipal Law.