STATE OF THE PARK DISTRICT - UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19
MOVING FROM COVID-19 RESPONSE TO RECOVERY, AND RETURNING TO SUMMER FUN!
Friday, May 29, 2020
The Arlington Heights Park District is excited to start welcoming patrons back as we begin to move into Phase 3 of the Reopen Illinois Plan (https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-phase-3). We could not be more excited to start serving our residents in a greater capacity as we begin to gradually open up our programs and facilities. Our golf clubs are welcoming foursomes again, tennis clubs will start opening for private and small group lessons and the public can start ramping up their fitness routines with outdoor fitness classes soon.
The Park District continues to closely follow recommendations from the Governor’s office, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as it pertains to public parks and recreation activities and facilities. We will offer as many programs and facilities as we can this summer and will communicate updates via our website www.ahpd.org and social media: On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @AHPARKDISTRICT.
Golf Operations Arlington Lakes Golf Club and Nickol Knoll Golf Club – Courses are open for foursomes at 10 minute intervals with restrictions including: carts for single riders unless in same family. We encourage you to book Tee time reservations online and view safety guidelines at Arlington Lakes Golf Club and Nickol Knoll Golf Club. Sunset Meadows Driving Range remains closed and will be re-evaluated on June 9.
Tennis Clubs – will reopen on June 2 for private and small group lessons and court reservations. The fitness center at Forest View remains closed. Please visit our website to view safety guidelines. View guidelines: www.ahpd.org/tennis/.
Pool Operations – Some Chicago suburban park districts have already announced the season closure of their public pools. We have decided to delay our decision until more information can be obtained. All pool operations are suspended until we receive additional guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). At that time, we will evaluate the situation and make a decision. Look for updated info on our social media channels and website at www.ahpd.org and social media: On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @AHPARKDISTRICT.
Facilities and Historical Museum – All community centers and the Historical Museum are closed.
AHPD Programs – Many programs that begin on June 8 will run virtually or in person under phase 3 which allows groups of 10 people and under. Beginning June 15, the district will be offering over 100 new programs in various formats including virtual, take-home projects, and small group in-person programming with 10 or less participants. Keep up to date by following AHPD on social media.
Arlington Heights Senior Center – At the time of this release, Village Hall will be open for services to the public starting Monday, June 1, but the Senior Center remains closed. A date for the Senior Center to reopen has not been set. Keep up to date on reopening status via our website at www.ahpd.org and social media outlets.
Summer Camps – Summer Camps listed in our Spring/Summer Guides which were scheduled to take place in June have been cancelled or rescheduled. Staff is currently finalizing details on modified camp programming which will begin June 15, and will include virtual programs, take-home projects, as well as modified small group camps. These new programs will run during the month of June. Updates on new program offerings will be shared via our website and social media outlets.
Arlington Ridge Center (ARC) – Staff has planned Virtual Programming and offering Outdoor Group Fitness classes starting on June 1. One-on-one personal training will also be starting the week of June 8. Memberships at the ARC are frozen until we return to full operations. Visit the website at www.ahpd.org/arc/ and Follow us: On Facebook @ARLINGTONRIDGECENTER; On Twitter and Instagram @arc_ahpd.
Parks – All parks are open to take a walk, jog or run except for Sunset Meadow and Lake Arlington which remain closed. The status of Lake Arlington and Sunset Meadows will be re-evaluated on June 9.
Canine Commons Dog Park – Canine Commons remains closed. We will re-evaluate opening it as we move into phase 4 of the Reopen Illinois Plan which will allow gatherings of up to 50 people.
Playgrounds and Basketball Courts – Remain closed at this time. Please remember to maintain social distancing while enjoying the park paths.
Outdoor Tennis/Pickleball Courts – Are open with restrictions. Doubles play will now be allowed with no more than four on a court and 10 people in the fenced area that has more than two courts.
Athletic Fields, Park Shelter and Facility Rentals – Currently, we are not accepting any reservations for athletic fields, park shelters, facility meeting room rentals, or aquatic center parties. Once we return to regular business hours, we will begin taking reservations upon entering phase 4 of the Reopen Illinois Plan.
Community Gardens – Our two community gardens are open to those who have secured a plot this season. Garden plots are still available at our Frontier Park and Forest View locations. Please follow the stated guidelines at the entrance to each garden.
We are in this together and everyone needs to do their part by complying with the Governor’s order. On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners, and Staff, thank you for your patience and understanding. Be well and please stay informed by visiting www.ahpd.org/coronavirus/. We also encourage everyone to follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guest Services Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm to answer your calls at 847-577-3000 and 847-577-3025.