The Dalton Parks and Recreation Department is closing playgrounds at city parks due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a news release.
Signs have been placed in playground areas of some city parks, but not all due to a shortage of signs. The playgrounds are still closed even if there are no barriers.
"Our parks aren't designed to block people out, they're designed for people to use," said Mike Miller, director of Dalton's Parks and Recreation Department, in the release. "We are putting up as many signs as we can, and we have some facilities with gates we can lock. But we are directing people to stay out of the playgrounds."
The department is also advising people to avoid gathering in the parks in accordance with the state of emergency declaration directing people to avoid gathering in groups of more than ten people.
A sign alerts visitors to stay out of a facility due to the COVID-19 outbreak. / Photo provided by Dalton Parks and Recreation Department