POUGHKEEPSIE – City of Poughkeepsie Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Brian Laffin has announced the closure of the city’s recreational facilities due to COVID-19.
Late last week city workers roped off all city playground equipment with safety fencing to prevent people from using the swings, slides, and other equipment.
Throughout this week the workers focused on removing the rims from the backboards on the basketball courts, as well as locking up the ball fields, dog park, and the skate park. “The city is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” said Laffin in explaining the closures.
Mayor Rob Rolison was able to inspect the closed facilities for the first time on Thursday. The city’s leader and his wife had been in self-quarantine since March 19. While not physically out in the city, the mayor worked from home and kept the same schedule. On Thursday morning Rolison’s first stop after fourteen days was to Dutchess Outreach to inspect the temporary food pantry and thank the staff. “Dutchess Outreach is doing incredible work and the city is proud to be their partner. While I was able to send city workers to help while I was home, I still needed to come by and thank everyone.”
Rolison was excited about being back out in public. “I wanted to make sure I was healthy before I ventured out into this great city.” When asked about the closing of the recreation facilities, Rolison said “We all need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Social-distancing is necessary and we all need to practice it.” The mayor noted that people can visit the parks as long as they adhere to the social-distancing rules.
