Suspension Of Palatine Park District Operations Announcement

Press release from the Palatine Park District:

April 28, 2020

Please Note: This is a developing situation and will be updated accordingly.

Suspension of Operations Extended Through May 31 with Programming Opportunities

Based upon Governor Pritzker’s announcement to extend his stay-at-home order through the end of May, we will be extending the closure of all Palatine Park District facilities through Sunday, May 31. I wanted to reach out and let you know that myself and the entire Park District staff is eagerly awaiting the day we can resume operations. Until then, we must focus on staying healthy, responsible, and optimistic.

Below are some recent updates and upcoming exceptions to the extended Suspension of Operations:

• Palatine Hills Golf Course will Open on May 1 with Operational Restrictions
• Stay and Play Virtual Online Programming for All Ages Begins May 4
• Day, Sports, and Kids Camps Delayed Until July 6

While there is some great news mentioned above, we also recognize that as we move forward things will be different. We know things will not feel normal for the foreseeable future, so we are working diligently to make adapting to these changes easier. Things will need to be different, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be hard.

If we make smart choices now, we are confident we will return sooner rather than later. When that time comes and we can bring people together again at the Park District, we will be committed to follow and strictly adhere to the science and recommendations from our public health officials.

The Park District cannot wait until we can start hosting events and providing recreational programming for all, but we are dedicated to waiting until it is safe to do so.

We will see you soon!

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

March 31, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Extended Through April 30

With the evolving developments and public health implications in the potential spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and our responsibility to the general public well-being, all access to the public with respect to programs, services, and facilities are suspended through April 30.

All Palatine Park District programs hosted at Harper College will be suspended through Friday, May 15.

All programs, performances, athletic-events, facility memberships, open gym, and programs held in school district buildings are canceled during this suspension of operations. All playgrounds, hard surface courts, the skate park, and outdoor fitness equipment are closed. In addition, the Dog Park at Plum Grove Reservoir Park, located on Harper’s campus, will be closed.

Participants and members will automatically be credited through the respective household accounts for the duration of the suspension. Credits will be processed at the end of the winter session.

Palatine Park District will be monitoring developments closely and will update our plans for resuming operations and other related details on our website, on our social media outlets, and signage at our facilities accordingly.

Please contact our Executive Director, Mike Clark at 847.496.6236 or mclark@palatineparks.org with any questions. We thank everyone for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

March 26, 2020 • Closure of Outdoor Amenities

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order to Shelter in Place and recommendations made by the CDC regarding large gatherings, the Palatine Park District has announced that all playgrounds, hard surface courts, and facilities are closed.

While parks and trails remain open, it is still not acceptable to be in large groups. Many people chose to disregard the Governor’s order and in return, the Park District has received an extraordinary amount of messages from concerned patrons about the volume of gatherings.

As a result, the Park District is taking further action to highly discourage those people who are ignoring the order by the Governor. Closed signs have been posted near all playgrounds. Playgrounds will be roped off with caution tape. Basketball rims have been covered, tennis and pickleball courts have been locked as well as the skate park. Soccer and lacrosse goals have been disassembled and our drinking fountains have been shut off and will remain off until further notice.

In order to complete these efforts and regulations, we must ask staff to leave the safety of their homes and expose themselves to surfaces that have been touched by thousands of people. Any of whom could be infected.

We are also working cooperatively with the Village and Police Department, and they are ready to assist with enforcement by dispersing people who do not follow the Governor’s order.

All that being said, we implore any of you who took part in the discouraged activity to seriously reconsider your actions. Please do not make us take the next step of closing down the community parks entirely. We want people to be able to get outside to get fresh air and go for a walk, but if this type of blatant disregard for the safety of others continues, we will be forced to do so.

On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners, the Park District Staff, and all of our loved ones, please take this seriously! Do your part to flatten the curve and save lives!

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

March 23, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Extended Through April 7

Following the new shelter in place issued by Governor Pritzker on Friday, access to the public with respect to programs, services, and facilities are suspended through Tuesday, April 7, 2020. All District playgrounds and outdoor fitness stations will be closed during this suspension. Full operations are tentatively scheduled to resume at all Palatine Park District facilities beginning Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

All Palatine Park District programs hosted at Harper College have been suspended through Sunday, April 12.

While District public parks and walking trails will remain open to the public during this suspension, it is mandated that guests follow the CDC recommendations of keeping a safe social distance. The Dog Park at Plum Grove Reservoir Park, located on the Harper College campus, will remain closed through Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

All programs, performances, athletic-events, facility memberships, open gym, and programs held in school district buildings are canceled during this suspension of operations.

Participants and members will be credited through the respective household accounts for the duration of the suspension.

Park District will continue to monitor developments closely and update plans for resuming operations and other related details on our website, on our social media outlets, and signage at our facilities accordingly.

Please contact Executive Director, Mike Clark at 847.496.6236 or mclark@palatineparks.org with any questions. We thank everyone for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

March 13, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Through March 30

With the evolving developments and public health implications in the potential spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and our responsibility to the general public well-being, all access to the public with respect to programs, services and facilities are suspended effective Saturday, March 14, 2020. Full operations are tentatively scheduled to resume at all Palatine Park District facilities beginning Monday, March 30, 2020.

All Palatine Park District programs hosted at Harper College will be suspended beginning Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, April 12.

All programs, performances, athletic-events, facility memberships, open gym, and programs held in school district buildings are canceled during this suspension of operations.

Participants and members will automatically be credited through the respective household accounts for the duration of the suspension. Credits will be processed at the end of the winter session.

Polling places held within park district buildings will remain open for election day on March 17, 2020.

Park District will be monitoring developments closely and will update our plans for resuming operations and other related details on our website, on our social media outlets and signage at our facilities accordingly.

Please contact Executive Director, Mike Clark at 847.496.6236 or mclark@palatineparks.org with any questions. We thank everyone for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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