Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard on Thursday issued a clarification of orders from the Governor’s office as it pertains to places of amusement. Under the state’s order, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and other similar areas of outdoor interaction have been closed.
In addition, Brainard has ordered all golf courses closed in Carmel because golfers are touching flags, using carts, retrieving balls from cups – which poses a problem because the COVID-19 virus can live on these kinds of surfaces for up to three days.
Brainard
“The governor made an exception for golf courses, but the number of COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County is far higher than the state average, so I issued this order today under the authority I have to limit non-essential travel,” said Brainard. “In other words, travel to golf courses, except for walking, is prohibited. Maintenance of golf courses is still allowed.”
The city is working with the golf course managers on appropriate protocols. The order may be able to be relaxed if proper protocols are instituted.
Indiana Code 36-8-2-4 allows a city to regulate conduct or use of property that might endanger the public health, safety, or welfare.
Many parks and 230 miles of trails and paths remain open for walking and bicycling, but the City asks that people not exceed the maximum number of 10 people when spending time outside. While you are able to still carry out food from restaurants, it is not okay for you to use the outdoor dining areas at these restaurants. When the order was issued to close restaurants, it was intended to include both inside and outdoor dining areas. There is too great a potential for spreading the virus by sitting at sidewalk and patio tables.
The city has requested that Zagster, the vendor who operates the city bike share, to cease operations due to the inability to clean the bicycles and stations after every use.
Sections of Monon Greenway, Midtown Plaza close in Carmel
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard has ordered the closure of a section of the Monon Greenway and Midtown Plaza due to overcrowding, which hinders compliance with social distancing restrictions in place during COVID-19 quarantine. Indiana Code Section 10-14-3-29 allows the mayor to take actions such as this during emergency situations.
The portion of the trail between Gradle Drive to the south and Main Street to the north will be closed until further notice. Seating and equipment are being removed from Midtown Plaza to further deter people from gathering there.
“I ask for trail users to please practice social distancing on the remaining 230 miles of trails and paths we have in Carmel so that those can remain open. It is so important to our mental health to get out and enjoy the fresh air, but we must do so responsibly,” said Brainard. “I ask for all citizens to be mindful and diligent as we continue with the quarantine. It is very tempting as the weather improves to stop and gather with friends along the trails, but please use caution and practice social distancing for the benefit of us all. If we can power through the quarantine and level the curve of this terrible outbreak, our city will be able to continue its tradition of excellence for years to come.”
Barlow
“The congestion on the Monon Greenway during the warm weather yesterday made it clear that there were many people in violation of those orders,” said Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow. “As even warmer weather approaches, we find this measure necessary to reduce the temptation of people to get together as the quarantine continues.”