Public or social gathering? Why Fort Mill allows some, not others, during coronavirus
There’s a difference in allowing people to gather, and inviting them. It’s a difference in Fort Mill that makes COVID-19 decisions more complicated than simply approving whatever state officials say ought to happen.
For months of decisions now on coronavirus social distancing, town elected officials have stated they have to rely on state expert recommendations for when and how to operate. Those same officials also have stated that one size doesn’t fit all communities, and each is responsible for making the best decisions for their citizens.
Still more decisions came up Monday morning when Fort Mill Town Council met.
From summer concerts to splash pad play to tournament host sites, officials continue to grapple with how best to balance safety and the desire to meet.
Concerts
For now, it’s a “no” on summer concerts. Town staff brought a plan forward for a July 17 event at Veterans Park and one Aug. 14, with fireworks, at Elisha Park. The plan involved fenced areas with designated entrances and no more than 250 people allowed, including the bands, employees and vendors on-site. Plans adhered to the most recent, relaxed state guidelines for large events.
“I’m not ready to do this,” said Mayor Guynn Savage. “I’m uncomfortable with encouraging a gathering.”
Multiple council members said they heard plenty of negative or disappointed feedback when the town decided not to hold its annual July 4 cannon firing from Confederate Park. Savage called it a tough decision that had to be made. Telling town residents now that just two weeks later they could gather for a concert in almost the same place — Veterans and Confederate parks face each other, separated by railroad tracks — might be more confusing and frustrating, officials said.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” said Councilman Jamie Shirey.
Council members say they are hopeful conditions could improve August to allow that event. For now, a large gathering in Fort Mill could bring more than just Fort Mill.
“Being basically the only thing that’s happening in our area,” Shirey said, “people are going to be coming out of the woodwork.”
Councilman Chris Moody agreed it may not be best to host a concert while other communities aren’t.
“I want everybody to have fun,” he said, “but at the same time if we’re the only one doing anything people will be trying to come from all over. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Council members say they’ve had questions of why the town would allow large gatherings — Confederate Park and other sites have fielded public protest since the death of George Floyd in May — but not allow something like the July 4 celebration.
Freedom to assemble, Savage said, isn’t a town call.
“I want that clearly heard, and I want it understood,” she said. “We will abide by our constitutional requirement — the law. And then we will move forward with caution (for the) health and safety of our constituents.”
There is a difference, the mayor said, in a town-sponsored concert and people choosing on their own to congregate.
“We don’t have the right to take that away,” Savage said. “We do have the right not to schedule an event and invite people to it.”
Sports team play
Yet other decisions will bring more people to town. The town began gradual reopening of sports fields in recent weeks. The town starts its summer church league softball program on Thursday. There are 19 teams signed up. Now the town will branch out a step further.
Council voted Monday morning to resume sports tournament play at Dobys Bridge Park. The town works with two baseball and softball organizations out of North Carolina on events.
The popular spring season was cut short, nearly cut out altogether.
“We were able to get one weekend in,” said Brown Simpson, town park and recreation director. “That was that first weekend in March. Then we had to suspend everything.”
A baseball field easily can host a half dozen games on a Saturday or Sunday during tournament season. Dobys Bridge alone has three fields. Most travel tournaments use fields both weekend days. Greater Charlotte play can bring teams from an hour or so away to play in Fort Mill.
Simpson said the town has its own social distancing measures for fields, as do the two organizations that put on tournaments. Tournament play now can resume this weekend.
“We feel confident that we will be able to abide by these (regulations),” Simpson said.
Tournaments bring teams, but also revenue to the town. Weekend park rentals in Fort Mill range from $300 at Harris Street Park to $1,500 for Dobys Bridge Park.
Recreation
Still another decision Monday morning involved the water splash pad at Steele Street Park.
“This would be our final piece of our outdoor facilities that we have not opened yet,” Simpson said.
The splash pad is a sensor-driven facility that runs on three-minute cycles during the summer, from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Simpson said there have been requests to open it. He said he’s likely to open it Friday, a decision council ultimately approved.
“This is one that I’m struggling with,” said Councilwoman Lisa Cook. “I’m not sure completely why. I think it’s mainly because I know it’s kids and they’re going to go where the water is shooting up, and they’ll be in tighter areas. It is water though. So it is a good thing, washing off and keep vapors low.”
There will be signs stating only 10 participants should use the splash pad at a time, and they do so at their own risk. As with other park reopening in recent weeks, Savage said there is a balance between confirmed coronavirus case counts, state recommendation and a desire to offer public services.
“It’s a little bit difficult because the cases aren’t receding,” Savage said.
As with other parks and playgrounds reopened since coronavirus put social distancing in the public consciousness mid-March, town officials say conditions will be monitored and could change.
“Being mindful,” Cook said, “if the numbers go up — particularly as a result of people who’ve used this park — we’ll definitely have to consider shutting it down.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2020 at 12:20 PM.
