Madison parks and recreational facilities to reopen today

MADISON – The City of Madison Parks and Recreation facilities are beginning the process of re-opening and returning to normal operations today. The city announced last week that a phase-in approach will begin this week with some changes to what was considered normal before the COVID-19 outbreak.

The new guidelines are:

a. All activities must adhere to limitations of no more than 10 persons in a gathering, and ensure 6-foot social distancing separation between individuals not from the same family unit.

b. Patrons and employees are encouraged to wear masks or facial coverings when activities do not preclude them.

c. Parks and Recreation staff will routinely sanitize restrooms, equipment, and other “high-touch” areas.

Outdoor activities:

a. Parks, greenspace, and greenways throughout the City are open for exercise and other passive uses. All activities must adhere to restrictions on gathering size and requirements for social distancing between individuals not from the same family unit.

b. Users of the parks are encouraged to wear masks or other facial coverings when unable to maintain 6-feet of separation from other people. All park restrooms will remain closed.

c. Activities authorized at municipal facilities, if social distancing and limited gathering policies are followed:

1. Running/walking/biking where routinely permitted.
2. Disk golf.
3. Dog park use.
4. Tennis and pickleball (outdoor only).
5. Dublin Park indoor walking track.

Any other organized activity not named will need prior approval by Director, Parks and Recreation.

d. Activities not authorized at City facilities/fields:

1. Soccer, lacrosse, and football (competition and group training).
2. Softball, baseball, and kickball (competition and group training).
3. Basketball (indoor and outdoor).
4. Volleyball (indoor and outdoor).
5. Ultimate Frisbee.

e. Facilities that will remain closed:

1. Pavilions and park restrooms.
2. Playgrounds.
3. Athletic fields

Recreation Centers and other indoor facilities:

a. Municipal recreation center will be open Monday – Friday, 6 am – 5pm for limited activities where appropriate group size and social distancing can be maintained (must follow CDC guidance and adhere to State Health Officer orders).

b. Parks and Recreation staff will monitor all activities continuously to ensure adherence to the standards. Patrons not following City staff directives will be asked to leave the facility.

c. Room rentals for private events, including athletic court areas, are limited to groups and activities meeting State-mandated group size limits and social distancing standards. As room sizes vary between facilities, limitations for each specific room will be established and prominently posted.

d. Special programming organized by the Parks and Recreation Department will be limited to those that adhere to State-mandated size and distancing standards and that avoid the use of shared equipment and materials. Any special programming requires the approval of the Director, Parks and Recreation, prior to planning and advertising the event.

e. Youth camps are not authorized.

f. The Dublin park aquatics facility is open with the following guidelines:

1. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 6:00 am – 5:00 pm.
2. Lap or water exercise maintaining social distance standards.
3. Swimmers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
4. No more than one patron per lane.
5. No swim lessons will be conducted.
6. Locker rooms can be used to rinse off before entering the pool. Patrons will not be allowed to return to the locker room after swimming to shower. They will need to dry off on the deck and leave the facility.
7. Diving boards will be closed except for scheduled, coach-led training sessions.
8. Maximum time in the water is one hour, to be monitored by staff.

g. The Dublin Park walking track is open with the following guidelines:

1. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 6:00 am – 5:00 pm.
2. No more than five people are allowed on the walking track at one time.
3. Patrons must walk in the same direction, as indicated on the directional signs.

h. The Dublin Park Gymnasium is still currently closed.