Press Release Dated May 29, 2020
CITY OF HIGHLAND
TO BEGIN TO REOPEN CERTAIN FACILITIES
BEGINNING JUNE 1, 2020
Some City of Highland facilities to reopen as we reach Phase 3 of Governor J. B. Pritzker’s 5-phase plan to reopen the state after the shutdown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
With a few exceptions, beginning Monday, June 1, 2020, city facilities will reopen for normal business hours, but with social distancing and facial mask requirements in place. Please plan to wear a mask when entering any city facility and maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other customers or city employees.
City leaders wish to thank the citizens of Highland for their patience and willingness to adhere to the Governor’s executive orders issued in response to COVID-19. Your orderly compliance has brought us safely through this situation that had the potential to be tragic for so many.
The worst may be over but we need to maintain our diligence in protecting our vulnerable population by washing our hands often, wearing a facial mask when in the company of others and continuing to keep the recommended six foot social distance from others when we are out in public.
Highland has a great record against COVID-19. Let’s keep it that way by working together and respecting one another.
PLEASE READ ON FOR SEPARATE STATEMENT
REGARDING REOPENING OF CITY OF HIGHLAND
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Press Release: May 29, 2020
HIGHLAND PARKS & RECREATION PHASE 3 SERVICES
The City of Highland Parks and Recreation personnel has been monitoring Governor Pritzker’s 5-Phase COVID-19 plan regarding the opportunity to reopen portions of our service areas. As we begin Phase 3 of the executive order, we will continue to abide by the order and apply best management practices for our guests to resume some traditional forms of fitness and recreational opportunities.
Unfortunately, this means that due to group sizes being limited until we reach Phase 4, which will hopefully start by the last weekend of June, we have cancelled the summer baseball/softball league and postponed PBJ, Muny Band and the reopening of the Highland Community Pool. Currently however, we will be limited to allowing gatherings of up to 10 people with social distancing and by abiding by the guidelines outlined here:
https://dceocovid19resources.com/assets/Restore-Illinois/businessguidelines3/healthandfitness.pdf
Therefore, below is an update of our local facilities and events for Phase 3.
Korte Recreation Center
Reservations from current members will be taken for 1-hour increments and limited to one-on-one training by personnel. Hours of operation will be limited in order to adequately disinfect and sanitize the areas of use. Monday – Friday: 6:00am – 9:00am, 10:00am – 1:00pm, 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Saturday: 7:00am – 10:00am, 11:00am – 2:00pm, 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Sunday: 10:00am – 2:00pm. There will be no walk-ins or non-members permitted to make reservations at this time. Additionally, a limited number of group fitness classes will resume outside in groups of 10 or less.
At this time, weights, cardio equipment, and walking track will be the only amenities permitted for use to exercise. Additionally, all drinking fountains will be unavailable but bottle refill stations will be open. The pool, concessions and childcare will remain closed until further notice as well.
Parks
Restrooms – Silver Lake Park, Rinderer Park and select restrooms at Glik Park will be open. All other park restrooms will remain closed. Playgrounds – all playgrounds will continue to remain closed. Sport Courts & Fields – all courts and fields will be available for small groups to use for sport specific purposes only. The Optimist Baseball Field will remain secured. Pavilions – park pavilions will be available for drop-in use only. Trails – all trails will remain open and the “pack it in; pack it out” must be practiced. Skate Park – will remain closed.
Programs
The Summer Playground Program will be permitted to resume with modifications to previous years and according to the guidelines that can be found here: https://dceocovid19resources.com/assets/Restore-Illinois/businessguidelines3/summerprograms.pdf.
Groups will be limited to 10 participants and one leader and will be dropped off at remote locations at pre-established meeting sites. Registration dates will be announced from our website: https://www.highlandil.gov/departments/parks_and_recreation/index.php and social media. The tentative start date is June 22, 2020.
