NRPA COVID-19 Graphic

DeKalb Park District COVID-19 Announcements

As we continue to navigate COVID-19 and follow the Restore Illinois Plan, we hope you are finding ways to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. With the summer season, we encourage you to take a walk, ride your bike, and get fresh air! This webpage will be a resource to you and help you understand what amenities are available to you depending on if our region is in Phase 1, 2, 3, or 4.

We want to share with you a statement from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) that supports the safe use of parks during the pandemic. The DeKalb Park District supports this statement, and we encourage you to use our open spaces to maintain your physical and mental health.

STAY CONNECTED

Want to get up-to-date news about COVID-19 and your Park District? Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive bi-weekly updates about programs, events, and park amenities available to you. The sign up form is located on this webpage or on the homepage.

PARKS & FACILITIES

Our parks will remain open during this health crisis. We believe that many parks, trails and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. If you visit one of our parks or trails, you must follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations of practicing safe physical distancing, keeping a 6-foot distance from others and staying home if you are sick. We implore everyone to follow the guidelines:

On the September 29, State of Illinois issued new COVID-19 mitigation measures for the Northern Illinois Rockford Region (Region 1), which includes DeKalb County, to take effect on Saturday, October 3.

The mitigation measures will impact the meetings, social events, and gatherings held at the DeKalb Park District facilities. The restriction will "limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity both indoors and outdoors."

This will apply to Terrace Room rentals, shelter rentals, and any other meetings, social events, or gatherings held at the DeKalb Park District facilities.

SELECT SPORT COURTS OPEN (volleyball courts and tennis courts open with restrictions)
BASKETBALL COURTS REMAIN CLOSED AT THIS TIME

DO NOT GATHER IN GROUPS OF MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE (only 25 people may gather during new restrictions occuring October 3-17, 2020)

MAINTAIN 6 FEET OF PHYSICAL DISTANCING AT ALL TIMES

FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED OUTDOORS WHEN YOU ARE LESS THAN 6' FEET FROM OTHERS

ONLY SELECT FACILITIES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT THIS TIME

HOPKINS KIDDIE POOL IS OPEN SEASONALLY WITH RESTRICTIONS

HUNTLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL POOL IS OPEN WITH RESERVATION

PLAYGROUNDS ARE OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS:
Limit groups to 50 or fewer, masks should be worn when safe physical distancing can't be maintained. Water fountains remain closed, so be sure to bring your own water and hand sanitizer. Clean hands before and after use. If you are sick or have symptoms, stay home and do not use playgrounds. Please click here to read the CDC's safety guidelines on playground use.

Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection. Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and in parks is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. You should continue existing cleaning and hygiene practices for outdoor areas.

FACILITIES, PROGRAMS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS:
Several facilities are CLOSED at this time. Hopkins Community Center & Terrace Room are open to the public, while the Sports & Recreation Center and Haish Gymnasium are only open for scheduled programs, as select in-person programs and events are available in Phase 4. Check out our Fall Program Guide to explore what programs are offered. Visit our 'Virtual Community Center' to explore virtual program options!

LIMITED PHONES DURING PHASE 4

GOLF COURSES ARE OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS (Phase 4 Golf Protocols. Book at golfdekalb.com/)

During Phase 4, select District staff continue to work from home, while others may be in their offices. During this time, we encourage you to utilize our website, send us an email, or message us on social media. You can find a staff directory with email addresses here: https://www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/staff-directory

REFUNDS

The DeKalb Park District has begun the refund process or providing household credits for COVID-19 related cancellations. If you are entitled to a refund or household credit, and have not received one yet at this time, please contact Greg Bruggeman at gbruggeman@dekalbparkdistrict.com. We ask that you please be patient as we work through this difficult time.

The health and safety of our staff, program participants, and visitors is our top priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

All Sports Guidance

Phase 4 Guidelines

Restore Illinois Plan

Illinois STAY AT HOME Frequently Asked Questions

Know the Facts: COVID-19

Employee Rights

Unemployment Notice to Part-Time Employees

Managing Your Fears & Anxiety around Coronavirus

Talking to Kids about Coronavirus

Precautionary Steps

The CDC has advised that since there is no anti-viral prevention treatment currently available for the virus, taking common sense precautions is the best approach to adopt such as:

Wear a face-covering.
Stay home if you are sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your sleeve.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol if washing your hands with soap and water is not an option.
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects in your home such as TV remotes, cell phones and computers