ALTOONA, Pa (WJAC) — Altoona's city parks will remain open for the time being.

Mayor Matthew Pacifico says physical activity is still essential to residents during the coronavirus pandemic, but he wants to encourage people to practice social distancing while at the park.

Pacifico says he strongly discourages some activities like pickup basketball games.

He's asking parents to watch children and be mindful of potential germs on playground equipment and is also reminding everyone to wash their hands and sanitize surfaces.

Pacifico says the Central Blair Recreation Commission will continue to monitor the situation at parks in the city and make appropriate changes if necessary.

He says safety is a top priority.

“Outdoor recreation is really important for mental health, for people to be able to get out and do stuff in the fresh air," he says. "We don’t want to take that away from people, but we also want people to be personally responsible for themselves when they are out using the parks.”

The city of Altoona has created a database of available volunteers willing to help out if needed.

However, Pacifico says the city has not yet determined what tasks they would be performing.

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