California changed its rules Wednesday to allow outdoor playgrounds to stay open in regions under strict stay-at-home orders, apparently swayed by broad criticism that closing them would harm children who have few options to safely romp outside. On its website, the state said playgrounds could stay open to “facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise.”
Playground advocates have said children need fresh air and exercise for their emotional and physical health, and many do not have access to private backyards. Fraught parents also need a place to take their cooped-up kids, advocates said.
Many of the state’s 40 million residents are subject to the latest round of stay-home orders. Gov. Gavin Newsom has come under heavy criticism for the closure of children’s playgrounds when the administration has repeatedly said being outdoors is safer than indoor operations and there is little evidence of virus spread on play structures. Don’t call for playdates though, the state says don’t gather with other families, only members of the same household should gather together to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
