Park District Shares Update On Operations, Programming

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FRANKFORT, IL — Frankfort Park District Executive Director Gina Hassett recently shared a status update on the park district and how it intends to resume operations. While many of its June programs and the annual Fourth of July celebration has been canceled, the park district intends to resume programming when permitted.

"It is the mission of the Frankfort Park District to provide and maintain park facilities and programs to meet the needs of its residents," Hassett said in a release.

The park district has been closed for several weeks, but plans to reopen its offices June 1. Parks, courts, ball fields, the dog park, skate park, disc golf and pump track currently are all closed.

"When permitted, it is the district's intent to resume recreation programming and small-scale events," Hassett said in the release. "The people of Frankfort are our business. From the preschoolers who didn’t finish their school year, the countless dancers who missed their recital, to the daily senior fitness participants and the countless park visitors – WE MISS YOU and look forward to seeing you soon!"

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According to the Restore Illinois plan, the northeast region could enter phase 3 of the plan as early as June 1. When that happens, Hassett said recreational programs can open with approved safety guidance from IDPH. Outdoor activities at parks will also be permitted in groups of 10 or fewer with social distancing.

When the region moves to phase 4, Hassett said the park district will increase programming to allow for groups of 50 to gather.

"Given the extended closure, there will be a period of transition and there may be a gap in the programming dates," Hassett said. Since some park district staff have been furloughed, the district will have to rehire or train new staff members.

Hassett added that it is expected that IDPH will release guidelines in the near future that will be used by staff to reopen facilities and start offering programs.

"The district continues to evaluate what the new normal for our operation will look like," Hassett said.

Read more:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update May 15: 87,937 Cases, 3,928 Deaths