Competitive sports not allowed at Santa Maria city parks during pandemic

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Nina Song enjoys visiting the parks in Santa Maria.

"I love playing disc golf and I really like the exercise," said Song.

For the safety of herself and others she only comes to the park with a few people.

"Oh yeah I mean for the sake of me, my family and my friends. That’s why I usually am just outdoors and then I go back home," said Song.

But not everyone coming to the parks is following the rules during the pandemic.

Managers with the Rec and Parks Department have spotted large groups of people playing competitive sports.

"Our rangers are faced with having to work with groups that were out and basically in violation of the health order which is holding games. We’re not allowed to have any games on our facilities. So activities like soccer matches, baseball games and basketball games are not allowed," said Alex Posada with the Rec and Parks Department.

The department says you can participate in practices with less than ten people while maintaining a physical distance.

As the pandemic continues, the department hopes people will be mindful of everyone's safety by not gathering in large groups or playing competitive sports when visiting the parks.