West Memphis officials stressing shutdown of group gatherings

City spends weekend shutting down large gatherings during COVID-19 crisis

By JOHN RECH

West Memphis police responded to complaints of large gatherings around the city over the weekend including basketball games. Beautiful weather broke making some so delirious with spring fever they forgot about the pandemic fever of the Coronavirus. Police addressed those on the courts and in large groups, gathered around grills, and partying in the house. By Monday the city parks department closed basketball courts in all its neighborhood parks. Arkansas Governor banned indoor gatherings larger than ten in a proclamation last week. Outdoor gathering were still OK, but social distancing was stressed. Mayor McClendon stressed social distancing over the weekend and said the city parks were open for activities.

“At this time, ALL city parks and playgrounds are open,” posted McClendon on March 26. “We ask that park goers take extra precautions to stay healthy and safe.”

City Parks Director

See GATHERINGS, page A3

Chains crossed hoops in West Memphis Parks, like this one on the Sonny Weems court on Monday. The city closed courts until further notice to promote health and wellness during the Coronavirus pandemic after a weekend of crowd dispersals by police.

Image courtesy of the City of West Memphis

LANGSTON GATHERINGS

From page A1

Lorenzo Parker announced parks were open at the last city council meeting and also urged social distancing. He asked park users to maintain spacing while _shing at Gammon Lake. The city kept the pond stocked with a half ton of _sh at a time. The waters have been opened to _sherman who tend to keep a distance anyway to avoid tangled lines.

The parks director also asked that walkers and joggers on park paths use common sense. Social distancing meant calling out ahead when passing some one so as to clear some space.

“Our playground equipment is being cleaned daily,” said Parker.

But Monday, citing health and wellness of city residents, the park use policy changed.

“City Parks remain open, but the city’s Recreation and Parks Department has now closed all basketball courts to limit possible exposure to COVID-19,” stated a city bulletin.

The basketball court closure went into effect immediately and until further notice. Locks were installed on rims.

The city parks remained opened for folks to burn off energy. City police, out to serve and protect, urged large groups to break it up over the weekend. Parties bred the Coronavirus. The police twitter page posted a report documenting 40 people contracted down COVID-19 after a party in Connecticut. Across the river, the Memphis mayor began dismantling basketball goals in city parks, all to prevent the spread of the viral pandemic in city neighborhoods.

West Memphis police took note and began stepping in to protect citizens from the spread of the Coronavirus. Of_cers were briefed on limiting gatherings in their shift start-up meetings coming into the weekend. Hoopsters and grill masters put police to the test. Assistant Chief Robert Langston reported.

“We had some cookouts and large basketball games in the city Sunday,” said Langston. “We had conversations Friday during our task force meeting about covering some of the basketball goals in city parks.”

Langston said one church parking lot drew a big game and the police asked the pastor to put a lid on the rim.

“Of_cers have been encouraging large groups to disperse and tell them why it’s not a good idea,” said Langston.

McClendon addressed rumors running around in the city. He said those rumors made it hard for businesses still operating, especially retailers.

“I ask that you please be responsible with what you write on social media,” said McClendon. “I’ve heard false information, like we are on a curfew, speculations about who has it and untrue remedies and cures. False information could institute unnecessary fear.”

““We had some cookouts and large basketball games in the city Sunday … Officers have been encouraging large groups to disperse and tell them why it’s not a good idea.”

ROBERT LANGSTON

West Memphis Assistant Chief