From Mayor Fuller Monday night…

The most effective tool we have to slow the spread of this coronavirus is social distancing – including when people are outside. We can save lives by staying separate.

For this reason, with Commissioner of Health and Human Services Deborah Youngblood, I made the decision today to close all City tennis and basketball courts and prohibit athletic games between people from different households in Newton’s parks and on our fields.

City of Newton Parks, Recreation and Culture Department personnel will be using zip ties to close access to all fenced City of Newton tennis and basketball courts. Zip ties will be put across basketball hoops to prevent ball playing.

Families and people who live in the same household can still play games together, but until further notice, pick-up and organized games among people from different households are prohibited.

Remember:

  • Stay six feet away – Use social distancing:Abide by social distancing guidelines in Newton parks and on Newton fields by staying 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household. Hiking, biking, jogging and walking are all great ways to enjoy parks right now, just remember to give a wide berth to your fellow residents.
  • No pick-up sports: Refrain from playing any type of sports with people who are not members of your household. This includes tennis, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, bocce and other activities.
  • Do not climb on playground structures: All play structures at Newton parks/schools are off limits.

At this time, we need our Newton Police Officers to keep their focus on a lot of other matters so I am asking that Newtonians adhere to these guidelines, do your part to help flatten the curve, and help keep our community safe. It is so important that we slow the pace of transmission so that our health care personnel and facilities are able to keep up and care for everyone who needs it.