Open public playgrounds

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced Directed Health Measures Phase II effective June 1. Phase II includes increasing the number of people in a gathering from 10 to 25.
    It also includes some easing of guidelines for restaurants and bars and hair salons. One thing not mentioned was the opening of public playgrounds.
    The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission opened public swimming areas at their state parks effective today (Thursday). Public showers and restrooms are also open at parks, such as Enders, but the playground equipment there and in the city of Imperial remains taped off.
    Despite the pandemic not being as bad in Chase County as in areas like Omaha, my kids are going a little stir-crazy while at home.
    They’re watched at home by a babysitter on Thursdays and Fridays during the summer, and I would love nothing more than for her to be able to take them to the Max Addition Park and burn off some of their crazy energy (so they’ll actually sleep at night for me.)
    Apparently this is a city issue based on a recommendation by the Governor. It was brought up at Monday’s city council meeting, but not voted on, although Mayor Coleman plans to work on it this week.
    I urge Mayor Coleman to open city playgrounds. If not for our kids, then for their parents’ sanity.