The city of Vero Beach closed all public tennis and basketball courts Thursday morning.
The decision comes as city and county officials encourage residents to practice social distancing in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The public tennis courts in Vero Beach are located at Riverside Park and Charles Park.
“The municipalities are working together to ensure a consistent and well-considered response to the threat of COVID-19. The city managers are in touch and working in concert to effect a unified response. Working in unison is the best way to protect everyone,” Vero Beach Vice Mayor Laura Moss said.
“We, the Council and the staff, are responsive on a daily basis to any concerns raised. I am proud of our community for the respect and support we have shown each other during this trying time.”
There are no longer any tennis courts at Pocahontas Park, only pickleball courts, city officials said. Public tennis courts operated by the county and Sebastian are also closed.
The tennis court in Fellsmere will remain open until further notice, police chief Keith Touchberry said. Touchberry said the city regularly monitors the use of all public facilities.
“Based on the current activity levels, the city feels that the closure is unwarranted at this time,” Touchberry said. Public Works Superintendent Andy Shelton said the town is encouraging citizens to practice social distancing and refrain from group activities.
The basketball courts in Sebastian and Fellsmere are open, authorities said. Officials are monitoring the use of the courts.
The public golf course in Sebastian is still open, Sebastian Police Lt. Tim Wood said. There are no public golf courses in Fellsmere; the city of Vero Beach does not operate any golf courses, officials said.
The Sandridge golf course, owned by the county, is closed. There are no public tennis or golf courses in Indian River Shores or the Town of Orchid, officials said.
The city of Vero Beach also announced more changes to its facilities this week. The recreation department said the Jaycee Beach Park boardwalk will be accessible going northbound only.
The sidewalk across the street will be used for people walking southbound, city officials said. Officials also said the exercise stations at Riverside and Charles parks are now closed, but the trails remain open.
“This is meant to limit surface viral transfers,” city officials said. “We are also mandating the usual social distancing guidelines while on the trails.”
On Monday, all city and county playgrounds closed. Officials said all locally-operated parks and conservation areas will remain open.