Cary Park District Updates Safety Guidelines As Pandemic Continues

Press release from the Cary Park District:

Cary Park District Update

Now that we are in Phase 4 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, we want to share important updates on reopening and our plans with respect to facilities, park amenities, and summer programs. 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 4 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 is open with the following schedule:

• Monday: 5:30 am – 9:30 pm
• Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm
• Friday: 5:30 am – 8:30 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:30 pm

While in the building masks or face coverings must be worn and social distancing is required.

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center is open with the following schedule:

• Monday – Thursday: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm
• Friday: 5:30 am – 7:30 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:30 pm

Reservations to use equipment will be required. Please refer to the Guidelines for Use on how Fitness Center member and non-members may make a reservation and other safety protocols.

Community Center Pool

The Community Center Pool will open on July 13 following the Phase 4 guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). However due to the capacity restrictions outlined within the IDPH guidelines, pool usage this summer will be very different. 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.

View more information on hours of operation, daily admission fees, and guidelines for use.

Kraus Senior Center

The Kraus Senior Center is currently closed, however a few programs are offered throughout July where registration will be required.

Playgrounds

All Cary Park District playgrounds are now open for play. To promote safe play within our community we ask that visitors abide by the following guidelines at the playgrounds:

• If the playground already has 50 people playing, please wait for a few people to leave before joining.
• Stay 6-feet away from others.
• Wearing a face covering is recommended.
• Bring disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer to clean hands before and after play.
• Stay home is you have a fever (above 100.4F), coughing, shortness of breath, or otherwise unwell.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Don’t share food, water bottles, utensils, and cups.

Splash Pad

The Splash Pad at Kaper Park is now open everyday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. To promote safe play within our community we ask visitors abide by the following guidelines at the Splash Pad:

• Arrive, Play & Leave: Groups should not congregate inside or outside of the splash pad.
• Social Distancing: Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6′ from other persons at all times.
• Personal Hygiene: Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene before, during, and after visiting the park.

Recreation Programs and Summer Day Camp

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 go on 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.

Concerts in the Park & Children’s Entertainment Series

The first Children’s Entertainment Series performance is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 17. The first Concert in the Park have been rescheduled and will be held on July 23. We have reviewed the Phase 4 guidelines provided by the DCEO and have created the following rules and guidelines for these events:

• Due to social distancing requirements, the area in front of the bandshell at Lions Park will be marked with 14′ circles. Each family is required to stay within their own circle during the concert.
• We strongly encourage all visitors to wear a mask upon arrival, departure, and any time outside of the circle.
• All seating and other belongings must remain inside the circle.
• Please do not approach the stage or entertainers.
• All visitors must follow social distancing guidelines and remain 6 ft. from others.
• Please be mindful and respectful of other visitors.
• By attending these events, visitors are assuming risk and possible exposure to COVID-19. If you are feeling ill or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home until cleared by medical professionals.

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.

The Park District utilizes the Thor Guard Lightening Prediction System. All systems within the parks are operational. Systems are located at the Community Center, Cary-Grove Park, Hoffman Park, Jaycee Park, Kaper Park, Lions Park, and Foxford Hills Golf Course.

Foxford Hills Golf Club

Foxford Hills Golf Club is open following the Restore Illinois guidelines for Phase 4 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.

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.