Updated - Parks & Recreation Cancellations and Closures

Thursday March 26, 2020 12:01 PM

MEDIA RELEASE

 

March 25, 2020

For Information, contact Amanda Rogers, rogersaa@owensboro.org

 

 

Owensboro Parks & Recreation Cancellations and Closings - UPDATE

 

As a precautionary measure to minimize opportunities for the transmission and spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Owensboro and our Parks & Recreation team are implementing cancellation and closures to some offerings, amenities and services through Sunday, May 10.  If changes are necessary, the City will reevaluate closures and communicate accordingly.   Please understand the City is acting in an abundance of caution in an effort to protect the public and employees from transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and asks all to remain patient during this time.

 

Owensboro Parks & Recreation leagues, programs, lessons, or events through May 10 are cancelled.  For any league or program that required registration such as ice skating lessons or volleyball leagues, please expect an email regarding rescheduling plans or fee refunds.  Below is a list of events, programs, leagues, and lessons cancelled:

  • Skating lessons at the Edge Ice Center
  • I.S.I Skating Competition
  • Spring Day Camp
  • Adult Volleyball League

Contact Youth Sports Leagues that operate on City Park properties directly for information on their plans.

  • Owensboro Western Baseball League at Moreland Park on Facebook
  • Owensboro Eastern Cal Ripken Baseball on Facebook
  • Owensboro Southern Little League on Facebook
  • Owensboro United Soccer Club at Thompson Berry on Facebook
  • Owensboro Youth Hockey on Facebook

In addition, the Edge Ice Center, Dugan Best Recreation Center, and the Owensboro Parks & Recreation Administrative Center are closed.  Any currently scheduled program, private rental and/or birthday party at these facilities during this time are cancelled.  A Parks & Recreation team member will contact you to reschedule your event or process a refund. 

Outdoor parks are open and will continue on normal operating hours.  This includes our greenspace parks such as Legion, Moreland, Smothers, Kendall–Perkins, Adkisson Greenbelt, Hillcrest Golf Course and Ben Hawes Golf Course.  However, we ask everyone follow these CDC guidelines:

  • Do not use parks, sport courts or trails including the Adkisson Greenbelt Park if you are exhibiting symptoms
  • Observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6’ between persons
  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting
  • And, no more than 10 people in any area at one time

Effective today, some park amenities in our outdoor locations are closed.  Those include our outdoor basketball courts, Travis Aubrey Skate Park and Legion Street Soccer court. Be aware all drinking fountains in our parks are off.

If you have a shelter or gazebo reservation between April 4 and May 10, staff will be contacting you to discuss the reservation.  We are following the Governor’s Executive Order and CDC recommended guidelines for congregation.  If those guidelines change, we will be contacting those who have reservations directly, as soon as possible. 

If you are involved in one of our leagues, programs, lessons, events, or have a rental scheduled during the dates listed above and have questions or need more information, please email the appropriate supervisor listed below:

The National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) shares that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. As does the NRPA, we at Owensboro Parks & Recreation acknowledge social distancing may affect mental health, especially during high-stress and anxiety-producing public health concerns as we currently are under. We also know parks provide a connection to the outdoors and green space as well as opportunities for physical activity that studies demonstrate reduce stress and improve mental health.

Owensboro Parks & Recreation supports the belief shared by the NRPA that parks, trails and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we recommend people follow CDC, state and national guidelines regarding the use of these spaces.

Keep in mind this is an unprecedented situation, and our goal above all else is to ensure the safety of our citizens, participants and team members.  We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness in our recreational facilities.  During this time, we will be taking additional measures for cleaning and disinfecting, as well as additional safety and hygiene measures for our staff.  We apologize for any inconvenience, and ask all to remain patient during this time as we do our part to in the effort to protect the public and employees from transmission of the COVID-19 virus.  Updates will continue as the situation evolves.

 

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