The Brewer Parks and Rec Department has opened up the playgrounds, but is also cautioning families about the risks of communal play.

It's been a tough year for kids, who have been kept home and away from their friends for months. And, to top it all off, they haven't been allowed to go to the playground, to work off some of their pent-up energy. That is, until now. Brewer Parks and Rec took down the yellow tape on Monday and invited the kids back in to swing on the swings and hang from the monkey bars.

But, like everything in this 'new normal' world we're living in, there are some restrictions with playground attendance. Notices posted onsite caution parents that the playgrounds won't be sanitized, so the kids are playing at their own risk. Anyone using the playground is encouraged to wash their hands before and after their visit, and have hand sanitizer at the ready to kill the germs until they can get to some soap and water.

Social distancing will be monitored, with parents encouraged to wait patiently for someone to leave if the playground is too full. Parks and Rec officials say people should wear face coverings, if at all possible, and avoid commonly-touched surfaces. Of course, keeping hands away from faces will also help curb the spread of germs.

Finally, the sign informs parents that, if social distancing is not respected, the playgrounds may be closed again. So, as my Mom used to say, if you mess it up because you're not paying attention, you have no one to blame but yourself.

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