Park District cancels on-site summer programs, closes Willow Stream Pool; tennis, Pickleball courts and disc golf reopen


Willow Stream Pool will not open for the 2020 season
It’s a mixed bag of news for residents who use Park District facilities or participate in programs.
Citing “the pace at which things are progressing regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the likelihood that we will not be able to open facilities in time for summer programs” the Park District has cancelled all on-site programs.  Tennis and Pickleball courts have reopened.
Additionally, Willow Stream Pool will not open for the 2020 season. The Spray and Play facility will also remain closed, although Park District officials say there is a chance of that facility possibly opening in late summer, depending on how the guidelines change regarding playgrounds and aquatics facilities. “
With on-site programs cancelled, the Park District will offer virtual programming and plans to release a monthly schedule beginning May 25. The District has also removed its summer programming guide and registration materials from its website.
                With the cancellations, the first session of summer camp has also been canceled, with virtual camp programs being offered instead.  The Park District will monitor the progress of the pandemic to determine if the second session of camp that runs from July 13 through August 7 can be offered. That decision, Park District officials say, will be made sometime in June.
                “Even though our in-person programs at our facilities won’t be able to happen as we head into summer, our staff is working hard to provide the community with opportunities to engage in recreational activities online,” said Park District Executive Director, Ryan Risinger. “Being that there really is no way to know when our facilities will be able to reopen, we have decided to temporarily shift to shorter monthly programming periods.  This will give us the opportunity to adapt as necessary, while saving the District thousands of dollars on producing printed publications in advance for programs that might not even happen.” 

Tennis, Pickleball courts reopened
While on-site programming has been axed, the Park District has reopened all of its tennis and Pickleball courts, as well as the two disc golf courses.
                Additional rules have been posted at the entrances to the tennis and Pickleball courts that specify that everyone waiting for a court must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet apart, and must wait outside of the fence until a court becomes available.  Additionally, anyone playing doubles must wear a mask at all times.
                Because the disc golf courses are not enclosed, fenced in areas, no additional restrictions have been implemented, other than that social distancing must be maintained. One disc golf course is located at Willow Stream Park, the other at Twin Creeks Park.
                Other Park District facilities that remain closed include all playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, the skate park, inline rink, and the Happy Tails Dog Park.
                For updated information as things change, please visit the Park District website at bgparks.org.


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