Bensenville Park District, preschool programs now mask optional

The Bensenville Park District announced that effective Tuesday, March 8, all indoor programs and activities will be mask optional in accordance with state and federal guidelines, including those for children 2-to-5 years old.

According to an updated map released March 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68 Illinois counties—including Cook and DuPage—were said to be low risk for COVID-19 transmission.

“We want our patrons to feel comfortable participating in park district programs and events,” says Bensenville Park District Executive Director Joseph C. Vallez, noting people may choose to mask at any time.

According to the CDC, people with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Staff and patrons should wear a mask for 10 days after a COVID exposure, and those testing positive must quarantine for five days before returning, wearing a mask for the next five days. These measures will be enforced at the park district for patrons and staff.

On February 28, in conjunction with the end of the state’s mask mandate, the district moved to mask-optional participation for fitness classes, Wood Street Fitness workout facilities, athletics programs, Young at Heart senior activities and all other programs, except for Tiny Tots programs. This announcement clears the way for mask-optional participation in Tiny Tots preschool programs. The district will continue to encourage everyone wear masks inside its facilities, along with social distancing procedures and the recommendation to frequently wash hands.

“We recommend following the three Ws—wearing a mask, watching your distance and washing your hands frequently,” Vallez adds.