City of Capitola officials decided to close the McGregor Skatepark in Capitola in the wake of the Santa Cruz County Health Officer’s action to reopen beaches and parks April 16 following a weeklong Easter closure to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus, COVID-19.
Capitola Police Chief Terry McManus explains why: “We had a number of violators at the skate park in the first couple of days after the reopening of the beach, parks and trails.”
Since then, signs and patrols “have significantly minimized the illegal activity,” he said. “We have issued 3 citations for shelter-in-place violations in the last seven days.”
Here is the official order:
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ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF CAPITOLA
No. 2-2020
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2020, the City Council of the City of Capitola declared the existence and anticipated spread of COVID-19 to be an emergency situation, as defined in California Government Code Section 54956.6, because it severely impairs public health and safety;
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2020, the City Council further declared the existence and anticipated spread of COVID-19 to be a local emergency, as defined by the California Emergency Services Act (California Government Code Sections 8634, 8550, et.seq.);
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8634 empowers the Director of Emergency Services to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property;
WHEREAS, Capitola Municipal Code Section 8.08.050A designates the City Manager as the Director of Emergency Services; and
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2020, the County of Santa Cruz Health Department issued an Order extending the current shelter in place requirements for all residents to May 3, 2020, and providing further clarifications and limitations on allowable activities; and
WHEREAS, Section 12.a.3 of the County’s March 31, 2020 Order states that individuals may leave their residence to perform “Essential Activities,” and defines engaging in outdoor recreation as an essential activity, so long as the outdoor recreation at parks, beaches and other open spaces is “in conformance with any restrictions on access and use established by the Health Officer, government, or other entity that manages such area to reduce crowding and risk of transmission of COVID-19. Such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, restricting the number of entrants, closing the area to vehicular access and parking, or closure to all public
WHEREAS, Section 12.a.3 of the County’s March 31, 2020 Order prohibited use of certain shared facilities for recreation, such as golf courses, climbing walls, and gyms; and prohibited use of high-touch equipment in recreations areas, such as playgrounds and outdoor gym equipment. The County’s Order did not specifically address skateparks; and
WHEREAS, City Staff and Capitola Police have observed that crowding and gatherings continue to take place at McGregor Park, despite the County’s Order, causing risk to those who are gathering, as well as the greater Capitola community.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED by the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Capitola that, effective April 16, 2020: McGregor Park, including the skatepark and restrooms, is closed to the public.
Jamie Goldstein, Director of Emergency Services, City of Capitola