Mixed opinions over opening Blue Ridge’s downtown park were expressed at a City of Blue Ridge Council workshop Tuesday, July 7.
Councilman Nathan Fitts said that he has heard outrage come from some citizens due to the fact that it is closed and that he would like to open it to the public.
Adding to his argument, he said that Governor Brian Kemp was expected to sign an order in the coming days relieving cities from liability in such situations.
Councilman Mike Panter said, “I don’t care about the citizens complaining. I care about the safety of the children, and the bottom line is, if you open that right now, someone has to make sure the social distancing is there.”
Fitts rebutted that it is a public park, and whether or not people visit the park is up to their own judgment.
“Play at your own risk. It is a public park,” Fitts said.
Councilwoman Rhonda Haight added that a hand washing/sanitizing station would be “a good idea,” and Panter and Mayor Donna Whitener added that the equipment would also need routine sanitization.
“You have an obligation to the safety of the people,” Whitener said.
Fitts pointed out the softball tournaments that have been played recently at the Blue Ridge City Park, to which Panter explained that he had to follow strict guidelines to allow the games, and each player and parent had to sign waivers and have insurance in order to participate.
Council members, with the exception of Robbie Cornelius and Harold Herndon, argued back and forth for some time over the topic.
Panter and Haight suggested putting signs up to let park visitors know that the city is not liable for any issues arising after/while using the park.
Not satisfied with the opposing arguments, Fitts said, “Right now they go play at their own risk, and we don’t have signs up saying you could get the flu down there.”
Whitener reiterated that the safety of the citizens is their responsibility.