Nevada City is in the process of preparing for a return of outdoor activities in the form of street festivals and park activities once the state removes the tier system on June 15. Activities being approved for Pioneer Park and on the downtown streets at last week’s council meeting would have usually been a formality, but council is concerned about the continued lack of adherence to COVID restrictions. Vice Mayor Duane Strawser says a concern is if there is another surge in Nevada County and there is a need to reinstitute restrictions.

Interim City Manager Joan Phillipe says the plan is to continue to monitor and adjust as the guidelines change.

Strawser, mayor Erin Minett, and council member Gary Petersen all referred to complaints about current gatherings at Pioneer Park that appear to not be following current guidelines.

Events approved included Art Walks, Village Market Place, the Film Festival activities for the summer.