Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department conducts check-ups on all city parks

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The City of Santa Maria has an important reminder for people feeling anxious about social distancing: you can still go outside.

The city is keeping all of its parks open to make sure people can still enjoy some from fresh air during the stay at home order.

Dave Johnson likes to play tennis at Minami Park.

He is glad all the city parks are still open despite the coronavirus pandemic.

"I’m here because I can’t go to my heath club because it’s closed, and it’s lunchtime so it’s a nice break in my day, and I love playing tennis," said Johnson.

Crews with the Recreation & Parks Department have been out conducting check-ins at each city park this week to make sure they are clean and safe for the community.

"We have crews out twice a day to each park. They are applying a disinfectant to our playground equipment and tables out in the parks so that people can feel assured that the surfaces have been cleaned," said Alex Posada with the Rec & Parks Department.

Posada says for many, the stay at home order is becoming difficult, and he encourages people to enjoy the local parks.

"We are encouraging neighborhoods to get out, take a walk, keep social distancing in mind," Posada said.

As rangers continue monitoring social distancing throughout Santa Maria, the city hopes people will take advantage of the parks.