Playgrounds closed because of COVID-19

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The city of Olympia is taking serious steps to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Parks are open, but playgrounds across the city have been temporarily shut down and roped off with yellow caution tape.

"It kind of makes sense because of all the little kids that have been on there without washing their hands, but it's kind of sad that no one can be on there anymore,” said Megan Larsen.

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The city shut down playgrounds to help with social distancing, which, it said, would be nearly impossible to do if kids continued playing on the equipment.

Brenda Wheeler planned to take her grandson Jordan, 5, to Bigelow Park Tuesday.

“He was relentless,” she said.

She's worried about the coronavirus, so she came to the playground prepared with gloves and wipes to clean off the slides, handle bars and swings.

“Before they even touched it I was going to fully sanitize it and then let them play on it,” said Wheeler.

When they got to the park, the tape and signs stopped them their tracks.

“I'm so glad to see that there because I don't know that you could fully sanitize and clean everything anyways,” said Wheeler.

Although she's relieved the city is taking action, Wheeler is almost out of options to keep her grandson entertained.

"There's really almost nothing you can do with them besides take them out for a walk with fresh air,” she said.

She plans to honor the closure signs and the city of Olympia hopes other families do the same.

"I feel sorry for families that don't have an option, but I do really recognize how dangerous it can be for all of us,” said Susan Bryant.

Playgrounds in Olympia will be closed until the governor no longer recommends social distancing.

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