Splash Pad will not open this year - Edmond, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

A very popular Splash Pad in Edmond will not open this year due to Covid concerns. During the hot summer days, this popular park is packed with families wanting to cool off.

Article text:

Edmond businesses will stay open for the foreseeable future.

In a special city council meeting on Monday, Mayor Dan O'Neil and city council members said their phones were ringing off the hook over the weekend. The mayor said a rumor started spreading online that the city was planning to shut down businesses as COVID-19 cases increase across the state.

"That's totally false by all possible reason," Mayor O'Neil said of the rumor. "We're not here to close down businesses in Edmond."

Dozens of people packed into the city council chambers on Monday to voice their concerns. Due to social distancing inside council chambers, an overflow building had to hold the remainder of citizens who wanted to speak.

More than 16,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported statewide. In Edmond, there have been around 250 confirmed cases. County health officials say 10 Edmondnites have died from the virus.

City Manager Larry Stevens told the council they are, however, looking at rolling back some re-opening guidelines to protect city staff and citizens who interact with employees.

That may include increasing remote working options for city employees, restricting access to city buildings again, and curbing park pavilion rentals. Events at ball fields & Pelican Bay may also halt while a spike in cases continues.

The city's splash pad will also not open this year. Right now, the city is waiting on a replacement part. Even when that part comes in, City Manager Stevens said they'll keep the park closed. The city manager noted large crowds tend to gather at the splash pad.

The senior meal program restarts on August 3rd, but if cases continue to rise, the city may re-evaluate that program.

Over the weekend, the city had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 among its employees. The city of Edmond currently employs around 800 people.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 07/06/2020 Publication: Fox 25 News Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Entertainment

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