The parks in the City of Ripon are open even though all recreational programs are suspended in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

For that matter, all facility rentals were recently canceled.

“The parks are open to allow people to walk or exercise,” Recreation Director Kye Stevens on Wednesday.

It’s been nearly a week since Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians while establishing consistency across the state during the coronavirus pandemic.

What’s open are take-out and delivery for restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, banks, laundromats, and the essential state and local government functions.

Closed are dine-in eateries, bars and nightclubs, entertainment venues, public events and gathering, hair and nail salons, and gym and fitness studios.

“It is OK to go outdoors to park to walk or exercise,” said Stevens. “But it’s important to keep a safe (social) distance away from other people.”

He noted that folks have been respectful of maintaining that safe distance from one another while at the local parks.

For more information on COVID-19 including frequently asked “stay at home” orders, log on to www.cityofripon.org.