For the past few months, playgrounds have sat empty and still, save for a few strips of yellow “CAUTION” tape fluttering in the wind. However, the tape came off and the kids can come back.
As Indiana moves into Stage four of Governor Eric Holcomb’s reopening plan, playgrounds are allowed to reopen. The plan also stated that playground visitors should “wash hands and use sanitizer frequently.”
Mark Jones, director of the parks and recreation department said that all playgrounds will be disinfected at least once a week, and that the more heavily-used playgrounds will be disinfected more often. Jones also said the parks “highly recommend” wearing a mask, as well as bringing your own hand sanitizer. He added that people should continue to practice social distancing at parks, as well as pick up after themselves and their pets.
While most playgrounds have reopened, Jones noted the Commons playground is still closed for the time being, as the Commons itself is still closed. It is set to reopen for rental events once Indiana enters stage five, according to manager Shanda Sasse. According to the governor’s plan, stage five is projected to begin on July 4.
The state’s stage four plan states that “non-contact community recreational sports games, leagues, and tournaments may resume on June 12.” Contact sports are allowed to resume on June 19.
“We’re removing bleachers, and people are bringing in their own chairs to ensure social distancing,” said director of sports programs Nikki Murphy.
The parks department’s Back on Track guide states that the Columbus Gymnastics Center is now open for camps, birthday parties and private rentals. The Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena is also open (with modifications) for group lessons, house league, camps, clinics, birthday parties and private rentals.
More information about the parks’ COVID-19 measures and reopening schedule can be found at https://columbusparksandrec.com/covid-19-resources/.
Although certain features of parks — such as playgrounds — have only recently reopened, Jones noted that the parks themselves have seen a lot of usage this past spring.
“It just gives another example of why parks are so valuable, valuable to the community,” he said. “Trails have been heavily used. The parks have been heavily used. There’s been meetings in the park when they’re social distancing with their chairs.”
