The city of Detroit announced Thursday that it's suspending all "programming facilities, programs, classes, and events through the summer season" otherwise available through the city's parks and recreation department due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to ABC affiliate WXYZ.
The city's official release reads:
Due to COVID-19, Detroit Parks & Recreation will suspend programming facilities, programs, classes, and events through the summer season. This includes recreation centers, athletic leagues, events, Summer Fun Centers and Summer Day Camp. Current guidance from federal, state, and local officials support this decision and efforts to protect public safety.
Food distribution will continue at recreation sites through the end of summer. Existing resources normally used for programming have been shifted to the emergency food distribution program. The City of Detroit distributed nearly 46,000 meals last week. Visit detroitmi.gov/food for real time food service updates.
Parks remain open for residents to enjoy. However, Parks & Recreation officials encourage residents to refrain from using playgrounds or other park amenities, such as playscapes, exercise equipment or other recreation equipment, and instead focus on walks or bike rides.Detroit Parks & Recreation also encourages residents to continue following social distancing guidelines maintaining 6 feet of distance between yourself and others.
Detroit joins the likes of Indianapolis as a major metropolitan recreation department to shut down operations with the exception of food service.
