Prospect Heights Park District Coronavirus Update
A Message from the Executive Director
As you know, Governor Pritzker has extended the Stay at Home Order through May 30. We are required to continue to maximize the physical distance between ourselves and others in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Summer is near. This is when playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts have the most activity. This is when the Park District is filled with summer camps, swimming, special events and more. Right now we await further guidelines from the Governor’s office, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to make the best decisions on which activities the Park District will offer this summer.
SUMMER CAMPS & LIONS POOL We have decided to delay our decision to open the pool and operate the summer camps until more information is received from the state. The health, safety, operational and financial challenges related to operating pools and summer camps under physical distancing protocols, for what may be an abbreviated season, are being reviewed and evaluated by the Park District staff. Once the state provides direction, we will communicate further.
Please note the Northern Illinois Swim Conference (NISC) has canceled swim team meets, therefore, the Typhoon Swim Team will not be offered this summer.
SEASONAL PROGRAM GUIDE Anyone enrolled in spring programs that were canceled will be credited/refunded accordingly starting June 1.
The summer program guide was released prior to the execution of the Stay at Home Order. Online registration is open for golf programs and summer camps with limited availability due to state restrictions. All other summer programs are accepting enrollment. Please note you will be placed on a waitlist, without payment, for these summer programs. Once the state determines the program operation guidelines, you will be moved from the waitlist to the program roster and then charged the program fee at that time. Should the summer programs be canceled you will not be charged any fees. Please visit https://phparks.org/summer-2020-brochure
The Park District staff is also working hard to develop a variety of virtual programs for all ages and family game nights to be enjoyed from the comfort of your home https://phparks.org/virtual-programs/
GARY MORAVA RECREATION CENTER Decisions regarding the re-opening of the recreation center will be reviewed and determined in accordance with future guidance from the IDPH and CDC. The fitness room memberships remain on hold and members will be credited once the fitness room re-opens. You can expect a clean facility, friendly staff and plenty of sanitation procedures in place upon reopening as outlined by the CDC.
PARKS Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. You are welcome to use the parks for a good walk, run or bike ride. Please practice physical distancing during recreational activities and wear a face covering when being within six feet of someone cannot be avoided.
PLAYGROUNDS AND BASKETBALL COURTS & FIELDS Fields, basketball courts and playgrounds remain closed. Absolutely no team sports should be played in the parks. These activities typically attract crowds and it can be challenging to keep surfaces clean and disinfected. The Prospect Heights Police will disperse crowds of people behaving in an unsafe manner as they deem appropriate.
TENNIS COURTS Tennis courts re-opened May 12th with restrictions: singles play, no handling the nets, gates, benches, etc., balls should be marked with a unique identifier, etc. More guidelines and rules are posted at the tennis courts.
OLD ORCHARD COUNTRY CLUB GOLF OPERATIONS The golf course re-opened May 1st under the guidelines of the state: tee times must be reserved ahead of time, only twosomes permitted, 15-minute interval tee times, etc. More guidelines and rules are posted on the course. For further details or to secure your tee time please visit www.oldorachrdcc.com
PARK SHELTER AND FACILITY RENTALS Currently, we are not accepting any reservations for park shelters, facility meeting room rentals, or pool parties. Once we return to regular business hours, we will begin taking reservations.
ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY The Block Party has been canceled due to the pandemic. The decision was made by the Prospect Heights City and Park District officials in the interest of public safety. Please save the date for next year: June 19, 2021
We are in this together and everyone needs to do their part by complying with the Governor’s order. On behalf of the Park Board of Commissioners and staff, thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging time together.
I wish health and safety for each of you, your families and friends.
Christina Ferraro
Executive Director | [email protected]
847.666.4861
Look for updated information on the Park District’s website (www.phparks.org) and social media: Facebook, Twitter @ProspectHtsPrks and Instagram @PROSPECTHEIGHTSPARKDISTRICT
May 15, 2020
