STATE OF THE PARK DISTRICT - UPDATES RELATED TO COVID-19
MOVING FROM COVID-19 RESPONSE TO RECOVERY, AND RETURNING TO FUN!
Summer is just around the corner and normally the Park District is bustling with activities including day camps, swimming, softball leagues, and outdoor special events. Normally, our parks are filled with kids at the playgrounds and friendly games of tennis, pickleball, and basketball. We are hoping to get back to this soon!
The Park District is closely following 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 are awaiting further direction from these agencies in order to make appropriate decisions on which activities we will be able to offer this summer.
SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE
Our brochure was posted online prior to the Governor’s Stay at Home Order being extended until May 30. Unfortunately, all of our special events have been cancelled through July and programs have been cancelled through June as well. Anyone who enrolled in June programs in the Spring Guide will be credited/refunded accordingly. Resident registration for our summer programs begins on May 19 at 10am for July and August, but we are not collecting payment at this time. You may register online at www.ahpd.org. We also encourage residents to visit our website frequently for current updates.
The Summer 2020 Program Guide is being updated and will be reposted on the website by May 15. We will be running a waitlist only sign-up for activities that are scheduled to start in July. Programs that we will run virtually in June will also be marked accordingly. In the meantime, please check out our Virtual Program Guide for May. Once the Governor’s Stay at Home order is lifted and new guidelines are released by officials for public gatherings, our staff will be able to modify our programs accordingly.
GOLF OPERATIONS ARLINGTON LAKES GOLF CLUB & NICKOL KNOLL GOLF CLUB
Courses are open with restrictions including: twosomes only, no carts or clubhouse, portable toilets only. Tee time reservations available only online at Arlington Lakes Golf Club and Nickol Knoll Golf Club.
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 and social media: On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @AHPARKDISTRICT.
SUMMER CAMPS
At this time, we are rescheduling or cancelling all camps in June. We are looking for direction from the Governor’s office and the IDPH. If we are allowed to work with groups under 10, per Phase 3 of the Reopen Illinois Plan we will post new offerings on our website. Registration for our summer camps is open for July and August, but we are not collecting any payment at this time. We encourage you to reserve a space for your child online at www.ahpd.org. If you signed up for June camps in the Spring Guide you will be credited/refunded accordingly.
ARLINGTON RIDGE CENTER
Currently, our staff is providing daily fitness opportunities via social media. We anticipate offering outdoor fitness classes for groups of 10 sometime in June. We have developed a comprehensive reopening plan to welcome you back as soon as State guidelines allow. Our members can expect a clean facility, friendly staff and plenty of sanitation products and safe crowd controls upon reopening. Follow us: On Facebook @ARLINGTONRIDGECENTER; On Twitter and Instagram @arc_ahpd.
PARKS
All parks are open to take a walk, jog or run; Sunset Meadows and Lake Arlington will remain closed.
PLAYGROUNDS AND BASKETBALL COURTS
Remain closed at this time. Please remember to maintain social distancing while enjoying the park paths.
OUTDOOR TENNIS / PICKLEBALL COURTS
Will open on Friday, May 15 with restrictions. Only Singles play will be allowed; the only exception being the outdoor courts at Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club remain closed.
PARK SHELTER AND FACILITY RENTALS
Currently, we are not accepting any reservations for park shelters, facility meeting room rentals, or aquatic center parties. Once we return to regular business hours, we will begin taking reservations.
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Our two community gardens will reopen on May 23 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 https://www.ahpd.org/news/stay-informed-coronavirus-information/. 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.