Pekin Park District update on COVID-19 as it relates to park and recreational programs, facilities and amenities
Pekin Park District update on COVID-19 as it relates to park and recreational programs, facilities and amenities
To help carry out the various guidelines, recommendations and orders from both the Federal and State Governments in response to COVID-19 and further protect public health and safety, the Pekin Park District is taking the following precautions through April 30 and potentially beyond this date.
Offices and facilities will remain closed to the public. Facilities that still have staff working to fulfill essential business operations include the Robert N. Blackwell Administration Building, the Parks Department, Pekin Sports Complex, and Lick Creek and Parkview Golf Course Maintenance. For cleaning and renovations, some staff are also working at Parkside Fitness, the golf courses, and the Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association Recreation Center.
Parks currently remain open to provide residents with local opportunities to get outdoors; however, effective social distancing (of at least 6 feet between yourself and another person) and groups of less than 10 is required so that unsafe conditions do not develop and park properties can remain open. It is also recommended to carry hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes containing at least 60% alcohol as an added safety measure. If you are not feeling well and show signs of the flu or COVID-19, stay home and isolated.
While everyone is still able to get outdoors, we are doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the Park District. No matter how people are choosing to get outdoors, it is critical that everyone follows the social distancing and group guidelines. This is your responsibility. Our Park Police will ask you to disperse if they see social distancing is not being followed. If social distancing becomes an issue and park users are not following it, we will be forced to close public access to all park amenities and facilities that are currently available, and the Park District does not want to do that but will if necessary. From what we have observed to date, people that are visiting the parks for the most part seem to be following the social distancing and group guidelines, and we applaud you for that and ask that you continue to do so.
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Current closures and reduction in services of outdoor park amenities and facilities include:
To help carry out the various guidelines, recommendations and orders from both the Federal and State Governments in response to COVID-19 and further protect public health and safety, the Pekin Park District is taking the following precautions through April 30 and potentially beyond this date.
Offices and facilities will remain closed to the public. Facilities that still have staff working to fulfill essential business operations include the Robert N. Blackwell Administration Building, the Parks Department, Pekin Sports Complex, and Lick Creek and Parkview Golf Course Maintenance. For cleaning and renovations, some staff are also working at Parkside Fitness, the golf courses, and the Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association Recreation Center.
Parks currently remain open to provide residents with local opportunities to get outdoors; however, effective social distancing (of at least 6 feet between yourself and another person) and groups of less than 10 is required so that unsafe conditions do not develop and park properties can remain open. It is also recommended to carry hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes containing at least 60% alcohol as an added safety measure. If you are not feeling well and show signs of the flu or COVID-19, stay home and isolated.
While everyone is still able to get outdoors, we are doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the Park District. No matter how people are choosing to get outdoors, it is critical that everyone follows the social distancing and group guidelines. This is your responsibility. Our Park Police will ask you to disperse if they see social distancing is not being followed. If social distancing becomes an issue and park users are not following it, we will be forced to close public access to all park amenities and facilities that are currently available, and the Park District does not want to do that but will if necessary. From what we have observed to date, people that are visiting the parks for the most part seem to be following the social distancing and group guidelines, and we applaud you for that and ask that you continue to do so.
Current closures and reduction in services of outdoor park amenities and facilities include:
Playgrounds:
Park amenities that have been closed due to Executive Order 2020-10 in order to minimize the chance of people gathering in groups and/or maximize the environment for effective social distancing currently just includes the playgrounds. Other amenities/facilities that could close include, but are not limited to, volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis and pickle ball courts, fishing piers, the dog park, shelters, and the disc golf course.
Pekin Bike Trail, Pekin Sports Complex Path, and Lagoon Path: The trails and paths are open but social distancing needs to be followed.
Restrooms:
To date the only restroom that is currently open to the public is the one off Coal Car Drive at the Parks Department Maintenance Shop. We do our best to keep it clean and sanitized, and ask that you do the same. All other restroom buildings are being prepped as usual this time of year, but will not be open until the threat of COVID-19 diminishes. People are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid needing a restroom during a visit to one of our parks that typically has available restrooms.
Drinking Fountains:Drinking fountains are being prepped as usual this time of year, but will not be open until the threat of COVID-19 diminishes. If visiting one of our parks, bring your own water bottle.
Drinking Fountains:Drinking fountains are being prepped as usual this time of year, but will not be open until the threat of COVID-19 diminishes. If visiting one of our parks, bring your own water bottle.
Concessions, Boats on the Lagoon and Mini Golf:All concessions, the boats and mini-golf will not open as normally scheduled in
April.
Miller Center Transportation Service:The transportation service for seniors will not be in operation through the month
of April.
Programs and Special Events:
All programs and special events through the month of April have been or will be canceled.
For programs that were to start in April we are looking to start them at a later date if possible. For programs that start in May they will either start on time or be pushed back to start at a later date. More information will be forthcoming. We are planning our summer programs as if they will be occurring, but as we are all well aware, this could change by the end of April.
For programs that were to start in April we are looking to start them at a later date if possible. For programs that start in May they will either start on time or be pushed back to start at a later date. More information will be forthcoming. We are planning our summer programs as if they will be occurring, but as we are all well aware, this could change by the end of April.
DragonLand Water Park:
DragonLand’s new mechanical system is under construction and the water slides will be recoated and painted. Our goal and plan is to be open in May, but again, this could change by the end of April.
Rentals and Special Use Permits:
All rentals and Special Use Permits through the month of April have been or will be canceled. We will work with you to either schedule another date or issue a refund.
Refunds, Credits, Etc.Bear with us and please be patient as we work through issuing refunds or credits for canceled programs, rentals, memberships, etc. Our goal is to get it correct and to do it as timely as possible which we will.
Follow our Facebook page and www.pekinparkdistrict.org for the latest information on COVID-19 as it relates to park and recreation programs, facilities and amenities, and updates to the information presented above.
Social distancing practices are a top priority for any time spent outside an individual’s home or place of residence. They include:
Go out only if you’re feeling healthy.
Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and another person.
There should be no groups of 10 or more together.
Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If those aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes containing at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face.
Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and another person.
There should be no groups of 10 or more together.
Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If those aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes containing at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, www.illinois.gov,& https://www2.illinois.gov/agencies/IDPH
Thank you and Please be Safe and Responsible.
Thank you and Please be Safe and Responsible.
We are all in this together.
Pekin Park District
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