Good job, Fort Worth! No citations issued to residents at parks over Easter weekend
Nice work, Fort Worth.
Fort Worth city officials noted on Tuesday that no citations were issued or arrests made over the Easter weekend after parks were closed to vehicle traffic due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In Dallas, Mayor Eric Johnson said on social media only eight citations were issued during the weekend at the 397 city parks. The parks reopened Monday.
Fort Worth officials had closed vehicle access to the 290 Fort Worth city parks for the Easter weekend, meaning no egg hunts, parties or gatherings.
Police and code enforcement officers can issue citations to residents in parks who are gathering and not adhering to social distancing standards.
“Some verbal warnings were given,” said city spokeswoman Diane Covey on Tuesday. “We were not out to issue citations. We just wanted to educate the public.”
Fort Worth officials had issued the order noting Easter usually was one of the busiest days of the year at Fort Worth parks.
City officials had urged residents to stay home or limit park visits to short walks or bike rides to keep the parks from being overcrowded.
Under the city’s “Stay Home, Work Safe Order” because of the coronavirus, residents are allowed outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing and running, provided residents maintain 6-foot social distancing from people outside of their household.
Last month, officials removed basketball rims and volleyball nets at some parks to discourage large gatherings.
As of Tuesday, almost 900 residents have contracted the virus in Tarrant County. Twenty-nine residents have died.
