T-R PHOTO BY THOMAS NELSON Marshalltown playgrounds are open, but come with a warning to play at your own risk.

Even though the rain poured down on Tuesday, Marshalltown playgrounds opened once again.

Since March, playgrounds and other city-owned property were closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, all city playgrounds and play equipment in the parks are open to the public. While the playgrounds are open, the areas will not be sanitized daily so residents are asked to use at their own risk.

Public restrooms will also be open and sanitized once daily.

“We do not have the manpower or resources to clean all the playgrounds in the city every day, but understand the community wants them open for the summer so we are going to do that, but residents will have to assume some level of risk, knowing they aren’t being sanitized,” said Geoff Hubbard, the city Parks & Recreation director. “We will be posting signs at each of the playgrounds and restrooms and encouraging parents and kids to wash their hands before and after use of the playgrounds, staying home if they are sick and maintaining 6 feet of social distancing while on the play structures.”

The Marshalltown dog parks, tennis court, ball fields, skate parks and disc golf courses remain open but only if there are less than 10 people using them, and they maintain social distance.

More city property opening is a mixed bag for city officials.

“I’m a little concern about how often we can sanitize, so I want to emphasize people can use the facilities at their own risk,” Hubbard said.

He strongly encouraged people to bring wipes and wash their hands before and after using park equipment.

The need to constantly sanitize objects is becoming the new normal and may continue after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

“I think it’s going to be the norm for the summer,” Hubbard said.

The futsal courts will remain closed due tot he construction project in West End Park and the close proximity of the courts to the construction area.

“We are not sure when we will be able to open them but will be evaluating the safety of everyone weekly and will open them when it becomes safe and appropriate for the futsal players and spectators,” he said.

Bathhouses at the city campgrounds will remain closed.

“We’re all learning as we go,” Hubbard said.

PLAYGROUND PARK LOCATIONS:

• Anson Park, 917 S. Fourth Ave.

• Arnold Park, 701 W. Linn

• Bicentennial Park, 507 Grandview Drive

• BPW Park, 407 Marion St.

• Elk Park, 516 N. Third St.

• Jaycees Park, 1401 Rolling Meadows

• Kiwanis Park, 2206 S. Third Ave.

• Lawrence Park, 102 N. 22nd St.

• MEGA 10 Park, 802 S. Sixth St.

• Optimist Park, 305 S. 18th Ave.

• Peterson Park, 1503 Woodbury St.

• Rice Grass Nature Park, 18th Avenue and Highway 30

• Riverview Park, 401 Woodland St.

• Softball Complex, 901 S. Sixth St.

• Timber Creek Park, 609 E. Southridge

• Turtle Park, 1008 E. High St.

• West End, 220 N. 13th St.

Contact Thomas Nelson at 641-753-6611 or tnelson@timesrepublican.com.