March 20, 2020 3:40 a.m.
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, school closures and limited service, the Douglas County Parks Department is temporarily suspending its $4 per day usage fees for all County parks.
A release from the department said the suspension will remain in effect until April 28th and possibly longer if closures and current restrictions are extended. The release said the plan is to keep parks and campgrounds open at this time.
The release said that getting outdoors is a healthy way to reduce stress and provides an open environment for kids to play and explore nature. Many outdoor activities allow for appropriate social distancing as recommended by officials in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the release. Residents are encouraged to keep those guidelines in mind when visiting parks, including maintaining a distance of 6 feet between people.
While parks are regularly cleaned and disinfected, those visiting should take extra precautions like hand washing, wiping down commonly touched surfaces with disinfectant wipes and other safety and health measures as necessary, according to the release.