Aurora Parks Reopen As IL Enters Phase 4 Amid Pandemic

AURORA, IL — Parks around Aurora welcomed people back Friday as Illinois entered the next phase of its reopening plan amid the coronavirus pandemic. Green spaces at all Aurora parks are now open to residents, though social distancing guidelines remain in place.

Playgrounds and equipment for kids' recreation have reopened at Phillips Park, Garfield Park, Solfisburg Park and McCarty Park, according to a news release. Other recreation areas are likely to reopen later on in phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. City employees will routinely disinfect and sanitize equipment while the parks are open, the release states.

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The dog park, skate park, sand volleyball courts and tennis courts at Phillips Park have also reopened, but the Phillips Park Zoo is set to remain closed until Illinois reaches the next phase of the reopening plan.

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The state can only enter phase 5 once there is a coronavirus vaccine, when a highly effective treatment is widely available, or when there have been no new cases for an extended period.

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Paths around the zoo are open, giving people a chance to see some of the animals. The zoo's parrot cages will be moved near the Sunken Garden in Phillips Park to make it easier for people to see them, the release states.

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The tennis and basketball courts at Garfield Park reopened Friday, along with one softball/baseball field each at Phillips Park, Solfisburg Park and Garfield Park. Water parks, splash pads and pavilion will not reopen this year, the release states.