The City of Omaha closed its city parks last Wednesday.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced the decision after large crowds gathered in parks the previous weekend, including on playgrounds and athletic fields that had already been closed.

“We do not like having to restrict people’s activities,” Stothert said at a news conference. “The biggest offenders were parents with their kids on playgrounds.”

The city’s trail system and golf courses remained open, Stothert said, but trail users were forbidden from using the parking lots at trail heads inside city parks.

Parks will remain closed until April 30. Stothert said Nebraska is expected to see COVID-19 peak in late April, meaning “the surge has not yet come” – meaning social distancing compliance remains critical in the city.

“These temporary actions are another step to protect our city,” Stothert said. “If we’re going to get through this, it is going to take all of us.”

The Omaha Police Department began enforcement and compliance checks. Cars at city parks are subject to tickets, and those found in a park, playground or athletic field face a citation or arrest.

Stothert’s decision came after a shooting at Benson Park on Tuesday evening, but the mayor said the decision was motivated not by that incident but by the reports of large crowds across the city.

Signs placed at many parks were vandalized, she said, and at least one coach jumped a fence to access a field to hold a practice.

“Closing our parks is a difficult but necessary action to keep you safe,” the mayor said.

The closures include dog parks, pavilions, sports courts and park lakes, as well as playgrounds and youth athletic fields and complexes, which were previously closed April 3.

Parks Director Brook Bench asked trail users to practice trail etiquette so all users can safely enjoy the trails, which are used by some to commute to work.

The city currently plans to open its swimming pools and summer camps this June.