Harlan Kirgan
The city’s walking park, golf course and lake reopened to the public on Friday.
Robert Johnson, recreation director, announced the reopening.
“At this time, gatherings of people will be restricted and areas of the facilities maybe designated as off limits. Restricted areas will have caution tape or barricades placed around them. These areas may include cooking areas, seating areas and playground,” the announcement stated.
The Eunice Municipal Golf Course is operated by the Eunice Country Club and it will be responsible for proper social distancing, the announcement stated.
Mayor Scott Fontenot said bathrooms at the city lake will be closed. The water fountain at the walking park also will be off-limits.
“We don’t have anyone there 24-7 to maintain cleanliness ...” he said of the areas he described as “high touch.”
The tipping point to reopening the three park areas is based on observations of movements in the city, he said.
“I don’t think it is any different than people congregating at Walmart or the grocery stores,” he said. Because they are open areas, it is probably safer than the stores being open, he said..
There are talks with St. Landry Parish Government about opening up businesses in gray areas such as is happening in Lafayette Parish, he said.
Precautions would be taken to protect customers and employees if that happens, he said.