EP Mayor Issues Executive Order on Reopening of Parks, Recreational Areas Friday, May 8th

East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva has issued an executive order opening up parks and outdoor spaces to some public use. People are still expected to observe social distancing, wear masks in public and to avoid large gathering that may take place such as on basketball courts or ballfields.

WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, issued Executive Order 2020-004 declaring a state of municipal emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the East Providence City Council ratified the Declaration of Municipal Emergency at a meeting on March 17, 2020 and authorized its extension through May 19, 2020; and

WHEREAS, on March 27, 2020, Mayor DaSilva issued Executive Order 2020-012 which all public playgrounds, fields, recreation areas, and parks in the City of East Providence; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 2020-012 also included the closure of any and all amenities offered at said public playgrounds, fields, recreation areas, and parks, including but not limited to, basketball courts, skate parks, and tennis courts; and

WHEREAS, the peak of the number of positive cases for COVID-19 has passed in the state of Rhode Island, and it is necessary to allow residents to walk outside and get fresh air.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of East Providence, pursuant to the Rhode Island General Laws and the Home Rule Charter of the City of East Providence, do hereby order and direct the following:

The use of any amenities available within public parks, fields, playgrounds, and recreation areas within the City of East Providence shall continue to be suspended.

Said amenities include but are not limited to, basketball courts, skate parks, and tennis courts.

Open areas such as fields and walking paths shall be open for members of the public to use for the purposes of exercise or to recreate. However, all persons visiting East Providence public parks, fields, or recreation areas shall follow the proper social distancing guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the City of East Providence Executive Order 2020-020. These provisions include but are not limited to:

• Maintaining a distance of six feet (6’) or more from other persons whenever possible.
• Not congregating in groups of five (5) or more.
• Wearing a mask or cloth face covering if social distancing cannot be maintained.

This Order shall take effect Friday May 8, 2020, and remain in full force and effect through May 19, 2020, unless further extended and with the consent of the City Council.