The playground equipment at Morgan's Grove Park was cordoned off last week. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Now cordoned off, the playground at Morgan’s Grove Park is off limits to users. Taping off the equipment took place last week, in conjunction with an order issued by Gov. Jim Justice to close all playgrounds.

“We have taped off the playgrounds and kept the bathrooms closed,” said Jennifer Wabnitz, president of the Shepherdstown Community Club, which owns the park.

According to Wabnitz, the park’s bathroom is also closed, although its walking trail remains open to the public. These changes have led to a decrease in use of the park, although many community members still use it for exercise.

Some families are spending time their social distancing time working on park projects, such as clearing its stream. Two Boy Scouts from Troop 33 have also been working on their Eagle Scout projects at the park.

“One has done extensive cleaning and repairs at the Quonset hut and the other has built hand rails for the steps up to the pavilion and reinforced the existing railing,” Wabnitz said. “Isn’t that a great way to spend their quarantine time?”

In addition to the restrictions at Morgan’s Grove Park, the Community Club has made some tough decisions about upcoming events.

“We have canceled our spring events including our beloved Back Alley Tour and Tea,” Wabnitz said. “It is just not fair to ask people to do all that work when we could not be certain if the quarantines would be lifted,” she continued. Other activities and events at the War Memorial Building have also been canceled due to the Governor’s order to remain at home. Those activities include the April 21 open house as well as John Doyle’s planned Town Hall meeting.

In an effort to keep people connected, the club has sent out newsletters to encourage one another.

“We are also encouraging our members to phone each other and keep in touch. It is unsafe to assemble, but we still need to connect,” she said. “We are also suggesting spring cleaning their book shelves to prepare for a massive book sale.”

The club holds an annual book sale in October each year, one of their most successful fundraisers. With the loss of revenue from the Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea, efforts to make the book sale a huge success will be more important now than ever before.