Big gatherings in Gwinnett park sparks outrage online amid coronavirus

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Despite repeated warnings, big groups are still gathering at some local parks, and a lot of them are teens and young adults.

Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen went to one Gwinnett County park after social media posts started blowing up over what neighbors saw going on.

Denyse McGrath and her friend Michelle Ford say the big gatherings are something of a gray area.

"It's a really hard situation. I have two sophomore daughters myself. I'll honestly admit they have been out. They've been out on the volleyball courts and running in the park," McGrath said.

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Video shot Tuesday night that was posted on social media showed hundreds of teens who had gathered at Duncan Creek Park.

The following night, there was a smaller crowd of teens and 20-somethings, but the weather wasn't as pleasant.

A local social media site erupted with residents complaining that groups of this size could be spreading the coronavirus.

"It's a hard place parents are put in. Kids need to get outside. They need to be around their friends. But they also need to exercise caution, as well," Ford said.

A Gwinnett County spokesman told Peterson that the county does not support any activity that doesn't follow guidelines from the CDC and state Health Department.

He says it's important during these times that people have access to the parks but staff will post signs reminding the public about distancing.

McGrath and Ford say that’s a good idea.

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