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...