City closes additional park facilities to access

The City of Whitefish has closed additional parks and facilities as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Whitefish Park Board on March 17 approved certain closures and changes to operations of city parks and facilities. Now, the city has closed the skate park, WAG dog park, gazebos, and all pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.

City Manager Dana Smith said the city was forced to closed additional facilities because individuals have been observed gathering at certain park locations and disregarding social distancing of staying 6-feet apart from others.

The city had already closed its playgrounds, along with the Stumptown Ice Den and Roy Duff Memorial Armory.

Gov. Steve Bullock also issued a stay-at-home directive last week that went into effect on March 28 and remains in place through April 10.

“While recreating outside is approved as an essential activity, everyone must keep a distance of 6 feet between individuals,” Smith said in a statement. “Furthermore, non-essential and social gatherings of individuals outside of a home or place of residence are also prohibited, regardless of size, if proper social distancing cannot be maintained.”

All city open space parks remain open for recreating while keeping a distance of 6 feet between individuals. The city is asking park users to pack out their own trash.

For more information or questions about outdoor recreation in Whitefish, call the city Parks and Recreations Department at 406-863-2470.