While Carroll Park Is Closed, Cobble Hill Park Is Open. Why?

Above, Carroll Park in Carroll Gardens, which was entirely closed on April 2, 2020  because of the Corona pandemic.

Cobble Hill Park remains open except for its playground.

A few days ago, I received an email from reader Evan asking me if I had walked past Cobble Hill Park recently. He reported that this past Sunday, which was sunny and warm, it seemed "like a full on party there, packed with people oblivious to what's going on." He found it very "disturbing and upsetting to see locals acting like they're above the law."

I answered him hat I was a bit confused as to why Cobble Hill Park should be open. After all, Carroll Park here in Carroll Gardens had been entirely closed since April 2nd. In late March, the New York City Park's Department had taken away the basketball hoops and reminded people to keep 6 feet away from each other, and as that had not worked, the park was locked all together. No one has been able to set foot in it since then.

I wanted to check Cobble Hill Park for myself, so yesterday, as the sun was shining, I walked a couple of blocks down Clinton Street to Veranda Place. Sure enough, people were enjoying this beautiful day and the lovely plantings in the park.  

There were not many people there, but I was still surprised had it had not been closed like Carroll Park. The only section off limit was the play area in the back, which had been closed off with a  barrier.

Granted, Cobble Hill Park does not have gates at its entry point like Carroll Park and therefore may be more difficult to lock entirely, but a quick search on the Parks Department web site revealed that New York City parks are actually open.  Only playgrounds are closed.

One has to therefore wonder why Carroll Park was entirely closed when its playgrounds are fully gated themselves and could have been closed separate from the rest of the park, like the one in Cobble Hill.

The importance of green spaces in our neighborhoods have become even more evident during this pandemic.  They become even more important for those who live in an upper floor apartment without access to a garden or balcony, nor the possibility of escaping the City.
The news that Carroll Park was closed until further notice here in Carroll Gardens spread quickly and was met with dread. This neighborhood resource has been so much missed by so many.

If, however, people are not keeping a safe 6 feet between themselves and others or refuse to wear masks while visiting our green spaces, it would  make sense to keep both parks closed.

What do you think? If only playgrounds are closed, why is  all of Carroll Park on lockdown?  Or should Cobble Hill park be closed as well?

From the New York City Park's Department:

 At this time, City parks are open. We ask that all park goers take extra precautions to stay healthy and safe. While solo exercise is okay, team sports (such as basketball, football, softball, and soccer) are not permitted in our parks at this time. Please maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when outside and avoid congregating in groups.