Kayak Park closed until further notice

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Lucinda Meglemrie, of Tulsa, Okla., practices her whitewater skills at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park on July 3, 2018. She and her son Zach often make the trip to use the park.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Lucinda Meglemrie, of Tulsa, Okla., practices her whitewater skills at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park on July 3, 2018. She and her son Zach often make the trip to use the park.

SILOAM SPRINGS -- The city's Kayak Park closed to the public Monday, according to a post on the city's website.

City officials closed the kayak park on the Illinois River until further notice because of Executive Order 20-43, issued by Gov. Asa Hutchinson last week, the post states.

The executive order took effect Monday.

The executive order requires face coverings where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Due to the nature of the recreation offered at the kayak park, operating the facility and keeping compliant with the mandate would be exceptionally challenging, the post states.

As of Monday, the city had no plans to close the Family Aquatic Center or the splash pad at Memorial Park, according to Communications Manager Holland Hayden. These facilities have the dedicated staff to ensure mask wearing and social distancing, Hayden said. City parks and picnic areas will also remain open, Hayden said.

The city will continue to evaluate the situation and will monitor coronavirus information closely, the post states.

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