Park District Cancels Larger June Events, 4th Of July Celebration

FRANKFORT, IL — Although the Frankfort Park District is closed until June, the park district has already canceled several of its larger events planned for June and early July. The park district plans to reopen its district offices on June 1.

"Summer programming is still up in the air," park district Executive Director Gina Hassett told Patch. "Staff are working with state and national agencies to evaluate what precautions will be necessary to hold programs and what programming will be allowed."

Hassett said all programming through the of May has already been canceled, but special events in June and the annual July 4th celebration usually held at Main Park have also been canceled. June events which have been canceled include: Unplug at the Party in the Park on June 8 and the Movie on the Green on June 9.

"The opening of the Splash Pad will likely be decided by CDC guidelines that will outline what functions are permitted," Hassett said.

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The park district also continues to assess different scenarios for its summer camp programs.

"Many families rely on the camps for day care and socialization opportunities," Hassett said. "At this time, park district staff are working through logistics on numerous scenarios for camps. That includes evaluating camp and programs with reduced enrollment, delayed programming start dates, virtual camp that may include 'Camp in Box.'

Hassett said surveys have been out to families that have taken part in the summer camps before to gauge the level of interest.

With the introduction of the Restore Illinois plan, Hassett said the plan provides some guidance, but the Illinois Department of Public Health "will provide specific guidance on recreational programming and facilities to each region as phase requirements are met."

"There is a lot of ongoing discussion among my colleagues," Hassett said. "I am hopeful in the near future we will understand what is permitted and how we can move to get back to our new normal."

Read more:

• Frankfort Mayor Gives Update On Spring Events
• Illinois Coronavirus Update May 7: 68,232 Cases, 2,974 Deaths