Spanish Fork Closing Baseball Fields After Hours Due To Lack Of Social Distancing
May 9, 2020, 6:11 PM
Spanish Fork officials will close the city's baseball and softball fields after hours due to a lack of social distancing.
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SPANISH FORK, Utah – As coronavirus-related restrictions continue to ease across Utah, Spanish Fork city leaders said they were forced to close their baseball and softball fields due to a lack of social distancing.
For many people, it sure feels nice to get out again.
Even if, for Camden Lahargoue, losing to his dad was a real possibility.
“It’s a pretty good battle. Honestly. For how old he is,” said Lahargoue with a laugh.
They were both playing pickleball at a Spanish Fork park Friday evening.
Win or lose, it was all about having a good time. Especially since Spanish Fork opened its parks last week.
“To be stuck inside for so long, you start to get sad and depressed, but it feels good to get out,” said Lahargoue.
It’s not only good for your body, but it’s also good for your soul.
“Feels amazing,” said Randi Miller, who was also playing pickleball on the court next to the Lahargoues. “I sit at work all day and then I sit and do school all day, so to be out and be active, get the heart rate pumping, (it) feels good.”
Of course, there were still some rules to follow in these coronavirus times.
You can social distance playing pickleball.
However, it’s tougher to do it while playing baseball.
One of Spanish Fork’s city fields.
“In Spanish Fork, we kind of pride ourselves on being a baseball city. Baseball and softball are really popular here,” said Scott Aylett, public information officer for the city of Spanish Fork. “We’re kind of known across the county for our baseball and softball.”
The same goes for Spanish Fork’s baseball and softball fields, which is why a lot of teams have been practicing and playing games on them ever since they were reopened last week.
“Unfortunately, we’ve noticed over the last week or so of instances of teams coming, not only internally from Spanish Fork, but from other cities coming to use our facilities,” said Aylett.
Aylett said since those teams haven’t been social distancing, city leaders decided to lock the fields when park workers go home because no one would be there to monitor people and make sure they’re following the new rules.
The fields will still be open during the morning and afternoon but will close around 3:30 p.m.
Due to teams not following COVID-19 guidelines and playing organized games on the ball fields, ALL ball fields will be locked when Parks' personnel aren't there to supervise.
Ball fields will be open 7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
Thank you for your cooperation & patience. pic.twitter.com/X8XovVuh1D
— Spanish Fork City (@SpanishForkCity) May 8, 2020
“We feel a social responsibility to make sure we are doing what we should be doing to help protect the wellness of our residents,” said Aylett.
Playgrounds were still closed at the parks, but all other activities will remain open — as long as people follow the rules.
For many, it’s worth it.
“Feel the vitamin D and to be able to play with your dad — there’s nothing better,” said Lahargoue.
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