Astoria Park Fitness Area Closed To Promote Social Distancing

ASTORIA, QUEENS — The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation closed Astoria Park's adult fitness area Saturday after witnessing people flout the city's social-distancing rules while using the space.

The closure came after police officers and parks department crews spotted visitors to the fitness area violating official New York guidelines that say to stay at least six feet away from others amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to the parks department.

"Astoria Park has been a priority for us, and we will continue to monitor and adjust our enforcement efforts as necessary," Meghan Lalor, a parks department spokesperson, told Patch.

The fitness equipment, located next to the park's running track, was added last fall as part of the park's ongoing $34 million makeover.

(To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in Astoria, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.)

City and state officials have criticized Astoria Park as a hotbed of social-distancing violations. Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo cited the park while announcing an increase in the maximum fine for a social-distancing violation.

City Council Member Costa Constantinides previously called for the parks department to boost enforcement of social distancing rules around Astoria Park's recently renovated running track, which is next to the fitness area.

Constantinides also asked the city's Department of Transportation to prohibit traffic along Shore Boulevard — where Astoria Park meets the East River — and the Astoria Park Alliance is now calling for the city to lengthen the boulevard's overnight "no standing" rule to cut down on nighttime gatherings there.

While city officials have stopped short of closing parks altogether during the pandemic, the parks department has fenced off skate parks — like the one in Astoria Park — and closed dog parks. The governor also ordered all New York City playgrounds to close.

Coronavirus In NYC: Latest Happenings And Guidance

Email maya.kaufman@patch.com with tips about the coronavirus pandemic in Queens or fill out this anonymous form to share your coronavirus stories. All messages are confidential.