News

Parks Department: Reopening Plan

May 11, 2020

In accordance with the state’s reopening guidelines and in continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department is announcing a plan to incrementally begin opening areas and amenities. The Department is continuing to work with the Wayne County Health Department and other Public Health Officials to guide these decisions and shape the necessary protocols to ensure the continued health and safety of our community. When engaging with any Parks facilities and amenities, please follow CDC Guidelines, including distancing yourself at least 6 feet from those outside of your household unit, wearing protective face coverings, and practicing good hygiene, particularly hand washing. While efforts will be made to adequately stock park facilities with sanitizing options, park users should travel with appropriate supplies in order responsibly protect your health and well-being. Considering the uncertainty around COVID-19, City administration with the Parks Department made the difficult decision to not open the Cordell Municipal Pool for the 2020 season. This decision was made for the health and safety of our community. The installation and testing of the new slide will be completed over the summer for use in 2021. Additionally, the kiddie pool will be painted as scheduled.

To protect the health of the youngest in our community, the Parks Department’s 2020 summer camps including JUKO, JUKO ROCKS! Little JUKO, and Sports Camp, will not be offered in their traditional format. Staff is currently developing virtual recreation opportunities accessible via social media, as well as programming compliant with social distancing later in the summer.

Due to the scale of Richmond’s Fourth of July firework celebration, City administration with American Legion Harry Ray Post 65 and the Parks Department has proactively postponed the fireworks until Labor Day weekend. As of now, fireworks are scheduled for the evening of September 5th from Roosevelt Hill, with September 7th as a rain date.

The Richmond Parks and Recreation Department is grateful for the community’s ongoing support and patience during this difficult and uncertain time. The latest information and updates on programs and events can be found on the city website and our Facebook page. Also be sure to check out the digital Recreation Guide.

“The team at Richmond Parks and Recreation work each and every day to bring our community safe and beautiful places to recreate. It has been very encouraging that now more than ever, many across this nation are seeing the benefits recreation provides. While these decisions were not easy, they were made with our safety of the community in mind and we appreciate your continued support and patience.” Denise Retz, Park Superintendent

Below is the current opening plan by facility/program

Please note that all dates are tentative and pending administrative approval.

Highland Lake Golf Course
Current: Open with restrictions Reserve TEE times at highlandlakegc.com or call 765-983-1972
June 14: Highland Lake Golf Course Club House will reopen, and Golf leagues and tournaments will resume

Glen Miller Golf Course
Current: Walking path and practice areas are open
June 14: Walking Club will resume every Thursday at 7 pm. First Tee will begin and you can register online.

Middlefork Reservoir
May 11: Boats may begin docking at Middlefork Reservoir. Reserve Dock Slip & Annual Launch Permits by contacting the park office via 765-983-PARK.
May 16: Middlefork Reservoir Service Center open for bait and equipment purchase, hours will be 9-5 until further notice and weather permitting.

Richmond Farmers Market
Local food and Farmers Market supporters can continue to order online for special delivery or pick up or at the market, when open:
May 23: Food, Plants and Hygiene Vendors ONLY, 100 maximum capacity
June 20: Food, Artisan and Craft Vendors, 250 maximum capacity
July 4: Food, Artisan and Craft Vendors, Hot food and Entertainment

Richmond Senior Center
July 6: Reopen

Sports Facilities, Playgrounds, & Amenities
May 25th: Disc Golf Courses, Hills Bark Park, Basketball, Tennis and Pickle ball Courts
Restrooms will open with limited hours
June 14: Sports Leagues will begin. Teams can contact Keith Clemens via email at kclemens@richmondindiana.gov or call the park office for more information.

Shelter Rentals
Contact the Park Office to reserve your facility at 765-983-PARK
May 25: Enclosed/Open Air shelters with capacity under 100 capacity available for rent
June 14 Enclosed/Open Air shelters with capacity under 250 capacity available for rent

CONTACT:

Denise Retz, CPRP Superintendent
Deniseretz@richmondindiana.gov

Jim Dykes, Assistant Superintendent
jdykes@richmondindiana.gov

Richmond Parks and Recreation
765-983-PARK

Click to download a pdf of the press release.

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