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. 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, the Bridge to Phase 5, or Phase 5 as part of the Restore Illinois Plan, including the Tier 1, 2, or 3 as part of the Resurgence Mitigation Plan.

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.

***Announced on June 7, 2021, that Illinois will be entering Phase 5 as part of the Restore Illinois Plan, effective, Friday, June 11, 2021.

STAY CONNECTED

Want to get up-to-date news about COVID-19 and your Park District? Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive monthly 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:

FACE COVERINGS:

Effective May 21, 2021, the DeKalb Park District will align with the latest guidance issued by the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health, and State of Illinois officials. The following adjustments are effective immediately when utilizing District facilities, parks, and programs:

Individuals ages 12 and older who have been fully vaccinated do not need to wear a face covering indoors or outdoors. By entering a Park District facility or participating in a program without a face covering, are truthfully verifying that they have been *fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination will not be required from patrons.
Children under 2 years and under 12 years old, must continue to wear a face covering indoors or outdoors, when 6 feet or less of social distancing cannot be maintained, along with the coaches and leaders of those programs.
All staff and volunteers must wear a face covering while working with children under the age of 12 in any capacity.
Individuals who are not vaccinated are still required to wear a mask.
Patrons wishing to wear face coverings are welcome to do so, regardless of their vaccination status.
All other guidance as detailed for the Bridge Phase is still in effect and can be found here: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/bridge-phaseThe Park District will continue its increased safety and cleaning measures, including social distancing, throughout our facilities. We ask that you continue to wash your hands, monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19, and stay home if you are feeling sick

*A fully vaccinated individual is someone who is two weeks past their second dose of a two-dose vaccination series, or two weeks past a single-dose vaccine.

PLAYGROUNDS ARE OPEN:
There are no group gathering limits in Phase 5, masks should be worn by unvaccinated individuals when safe physical distancing can't be maintained. Water fountains are now open in our parks, but we continue to urge you to 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:
Select facilities are CLOSED at this time. Hopkins Community Center & Terrace Room and Sports & Recreation Center are OPEN to the public, while the Haish Gymnasium is only open for select scheduled programs. Staff will be announcing the opening of Haish Gym in the near future! Check out our Summer Program Guide to explore what programs are offered. Visit our 'Virtual Community Center' to explore virtual program options!

GOLF COURSES ARE OPEN

SPORT COURTS OPEN

HOPKINS POOL IS OPEN

HUNTLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL POOL IS OPEN FOR SCHEDULED SWIM LESSONS

REFUNDS

The DeKalb Park District will start a refund process or provide 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 Wendy Hayes at whayes@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

Bridge to Phase 5

CDC Quarantine Guideline Update

Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan

All Sports Guidance (Click here for Winter 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