City Parks closed until further notice

RITZVILLE — City parks around town have been closed, with police tape encircling them, to help stop the spread of the COVID -19 virus.

Normally, the Parks and Recreation department would not be able to close city parks without a vote from city council members.

These are not normal times.

"Right now we're operating under emergency procedures. The resolution we passed gave the mayor the authorization to shut down parks," said City Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt.

Resolution # 2020-05, Ratifying Proclamation of Emergency and Providing Temporary Procedures passed March 20. The emergency proclamation it ratifies passed March 13.

Parks closed include the city park on Division (next to the swimming pool), the skate park on Columbia, and the baseball field on Low Street. The Ritzville Municipal Golf Course has also been closed.

"City Police will be monitoring the parks and will educate the public on the dangers of spreading the virus," Flyckt said.

"It is very challenging to close large open spaces, and we are asking all citizens to adhere to the closures for your health and the health of others," Mayor Gary Cook said. "We understand these are frustrating times with everything being closed, but we will get through this together."

The parks are closed until further notice.