Cary Park District Offers Reopening Update

Press release from the Cary Park District:

June 16, 2020

As we head into Phase 3 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, we want to share important updates on reopening, remaining closures, and our plans with respect to facilities, park amenities, and summer programs. The health and well-being of our community is a priority, and all decisions on how the District can meet recreational needs will focus first on maintaining public health. The Restore Illinois Five Phase Plan issued by Governor Pritzker’s Office on May 5 is the plan directing how we move forward during the fluid COVID-19 virus situation. Under the Restore Illinois Plan, certain activities are allowed to resume in Phase 3 with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity(DCEO) approved safety guidance in place. Therefore the Park District will only open facilities, park amenities, playgrounds, splash pad, and offer recreation programs as conveyed in the Restore Illinois Plan and within DCEO guidelines. Below are updates of areas of interest.

Community Center

The Community Center lobby is open. Hours of operation are Monday, 8:30 am – 9:30 pm and Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Only the lobby is open. The Fitness Center, locker rooms, and program rooms will remain closed. Visitors are welcome to visit the Community Center for in person program registration, dog park membership purchases and renewals, or conduct additional Park District business. While in the building masks or face coverings must be worn and social distancing is required. Hours of operation may be expanded as we prepare to offer programs later in June.

Recreation Programs and Memberships

The DCEO released guidelines that pertain to various program offerings, more specifically, fitness, summer day camp, athletics, and outdoor recreation. Currently Park District staff is reviewing the guidelines and is making arrangements to offer summer programs and camps for the community with health and safety in mind. The summer program guide on our website offers the most updated information on our programs. This includes program cancellations and date changes. Program maximums may be reduced based on social distancing guidelines. In the event that we are able to accommodate more participants than expected we will utilize the waitlist. If a program you are interested in is full please add yourself to the waitlist and you will be contacted if we are able to accommodate you. Adding to the waitlist is free, payment would only be required if a spot in the program becomes available.

We are currently offering several virtual recreation programs that you can participate from home. Visit our Virtual Community Center, follow us on Facebook, or subscribe to our e-newsletters to receive information on these opportunities. New offerings are added weekly, we encourage your to visit our Virtual Community Center often or connect with us on Facebook or through email.

Camp ECHO and Sunshine Camp

Sessions I and II of both Camp ECHO and Sunshine Camp are cancelled. The first session of camp that will be offered is Session III which began Monday, June 15. The summer program guide has been updated with the most current information that includes program cancellations and date changes.

Registration is accepted online or you may complete a registration form and drop it in the drop box outside of the Community Center. If you would like to use a Multi-Session Reward from last summer, please register at the Community Center. Camp session maximums are reduced based on social distancing guidelines and indoor facilities available for inclement weather days. In the event that we are able to accommodate more participants than expected we will utilize the waitlist. If a session of camp that you desire is full, please add to the waitlist and you will be contacted if we are able to accommodate you. Adding to the waitlist is free, payment would only be required if a spot in the session becomes available.

Community Center Pool

Public pools are not to be operated as part of Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. We are awaiting guidelines from the IDPH and the DCOE and evaluating the financial impact of a shortened pool season to determine when and if the Community Center pool will open this summer. For this reason, pool pass sales are currently closed. Swim lessons scheduled for the month of June have been cancelled. If you have already purchased a pool pass or are registered for swim lessons and the pool does not open for the summer, you would be eligible for a credit or refund.

Hoffman Park Dog Park

All areas of the dog park are open including the restrooms. In addition to the regular guidelines for use, there are a few additional guidelines that we ask members to follow:

• Arrive, Play and Leave – Groups should not congregate inside or outside of the park.
• Social Distancing – Observe the Center for Disease Control’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6’ from other persons at all times.
• Personal Hygiene– Follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting, during visit, and after leaving the park.

All memberships have been extended by the number of days the dog park was closed. If you would like to renew or purchase a membership, please complete the Dog Park Registration Packet. Return the forms and your payment to the Community Center. Completion of a dog park membership packet is also required for pass renewals.

Skate Park at Lions Park

The Skate Park at Lions Park is open. In addition to the regular guidelines for use, there are a few additional guidelines that we ask visitors to follow:

• Arrive, Play and Leave – Groups should not congregate inside or outside of the park.
• Social Distancing – Observe the Center for Disease Control’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6’ from other persons at all times.
• Personal Hygiene– Follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting, during visit, and after leaving the park.

Parks, Trails, and Open Space

All park and trail users should conduct themselves accordingly within guidelines set by federal, state, and local authorities as related to social distancing. Pets are allowed in the parks and trails, however they must on a leash and owners must pick up after their pet. Playgrounds and splash pads are not part of Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan therefore playgrounds and the splash pad will remain closed.

The Park District utilizes the Thor Guard Lightening Prediction System. All systems within the parks are operational, except for the Community Center. Systems located within Cary-Grove Park, Hoffman Park, Jaycee Park, Kaper Park, Lions Park, and Foxford Hills Golf Course are operational. The hours of operations have been reduced for all locations besides Foxford Hills Golf Course due to lack of scheduled activity in the parks.

Park and Facility Rentals

Park shelter and facility rentals remain closed and unavailable during Phase 3. We will accept reservations once it is permitted by the Restore Illinois Plan. If groups would like to reserve space within the park system or athletic field spaces for small group organized use, please contact Katie Tarosas at ktarosas@carypark.com or 847.639.6100 to receive a permit.

Foxford Hills Golf Club

Foxford Hills Golf Club is open, including the driving range, following the Restore Illinois guidelines for Phase 3 provided by the DCEO. Make a tee time online or call 847.639.0400. Golf cart paths are not to be used for walking/biking trails by the public. This is a safety matter and use of these paths is restricted to golf course users only.

Summer Celebration

Due to limitations on gathering sizes and social distancing guidelines, Summer Celebration, the community’s largest summer event has been cancelled. This includes both the event hosted at Lions Park plus the fireworks presentation. It is our hope that we will be able to offer fireworks later in the year.

We will continue to communicate updates regularly through the end of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan. The health and well-being of our community is a priority and we thank you for your continued support and adherence to these state standards for everyone’s health and safety. If you have any questions, you may either contact a Park District staff member by using the staff directory found on our website, or you may send an email to caryparkdistrict@carypark.com.

This press release was produced by the Cary Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.