Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

The city of Cloquet closed all its outdoor play structures on Wednesday, including playgrounds, the skatepark and other athletic facilities as part of its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City administrator Tim Peterson said the decision to close parks was not specifically due to one park, but rather the safety and well-being of residents throughout the entire community.

“Avoiding groups of people congregating needs to be a priority for all of us and this closure reflects that,” Peterson told the Pine Knot News. “We now need help from the public adhering to these closures. We know it is difficult as the weather turns and people are wanting to get outside, but there are still options available that allow for social distancing.”

Sidewalks, trails, and other outdoor public areas will remain open. Still, the public should continue to practice social distancing in these areas. This directive is consistent with guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health due to the risk of transmission via shared surfaces and group gatherings.

All city-owned buildings remain closed to the public. All events, rentals, programs, and activities are canceled through May 1.

The city of Duluth closed playgrounds to the public earlier in March, due to the danger of transmission.