Karen Gleason
Citing a minimal risk for COVID-19 exposure, Del Rio City Council members on Tuesday voted to reopen playground equipment in city parks, starting at 5 p.m. Friday.
The vote on reopening the playground equipment came during the council’s regular briefing update on the city’s COVID-19 situation.
At the start of a discussion about the city’s ordinance dealing with COVID-19 restrictions, Mayor Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano told the council, “I did speak with our local health authority and our emergency operations manager earlier today to discuss Councilman Jim DeReus’ concerns at our last meeting. . . The conclusion I gathered was that opening of the playgrounds is minimal risk, at best.”
Lozano also said he is still concerned about the consumption of alcohol in city parks, then made a motion to reopen the city’s playground equipment, adding he wanted to maintain prohibitions against the consumption of alcohol in parks and to continue to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people.
He asked the playground equipment be reopened at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18.
DeReus gave the second, then said, “I guess I’m just wondering why the change in opinion from yourself, as well as the public health authority, when nothing has changed in the past week.”
Lozano replied during last week’s council meeting, DeReus’ motion had included allowing alcohol consumption and the use of barbecue grills, and that he had not been in favor of allowing alcohol and the use of the barbecue grills.
Councilman Raul Ojeda commented and said he would like to amend the mayor’s motion to also include the opening of city basketball and volleyball courts.
Councilwoman Diana Bejarano Salgado said it was her understanding the assistant local health authority, Dr. Laura Palau, had recommended that playground equipment remain closed. Salgado also wondered aloud if the city would be able to clean the playground equipment once a week.
Lozano reiterated he believed the risk of contracting COVID from playground equipment was minimal and pointed out large stores are open, with some of them allowing up to 75 people inside.
“It makes no common sense and it puts the council between a rock and a hard place, to not allow the children of Del Rio to get out there and enjoy the recreational equipment,” the mayor said.
Salgado said she was still reluctant to approve the reopening of playground equipment, and Councilman J. P. Sanchez echoed her concerns.
The council voted 4-2 to approve Lozano’s motion, which calls for the reopening of the playground equipment and basketball and volleyball courts. Salgado and Sanchez voted against the motion.
Councilman Alfredo “Fred” Carranza Jr. was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.
City Manager Matt Wojnowski pledged city crews would disinfect the playground equipment weekly.
