What does Centre County’s upcoming ‘yellow’ phase mean for Centre Region parks?
As Centre County prepares for a partial reopening, the Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority has altered its COVID-19 response plan to ensure the health and safety of park visitors.
While the county is in its “yellow” status as outlined by Gov. Tom Wolf, CRPR programs and events remain canceled through June 30. But some park facilities — restrooms and athletic courts — will open next week, the authority announced Monday.
Under Wolf’s plan, counties moving to the yellow phase starting Friday will operate under new guidelines until moving to the green phase. Wolf said there is no date when an area could move to a green designation.
Beginning May 11, restrooms will open at CRPR parks, but all water fountains will remain closed until Centre County achieves green status. Until further notice, all fountains will be bagged and marked as closed.
Sport courts and fields will open next week for drop-in use, but participation is limited to 25 people or less. No organized youth or adult sport leagues, events or tournaments will be permitted to use the facilities. The basketball courts at all State College Borough parks will remain closed while Centre County is in the yellow phase. Residents are asked to contact borough police if anyone is seen using the courts.
CRPR pavilions will open May 11 for drop-in use. Families or groups of 25 people or less are permitted to use the facilities for small, informal gatherings. Pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis as CRPR is not taking reservations at this time. Pavilion guests are asked to wear facial masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
No park guests are permitted to use playground equipment in Centre Region parks or on State College Area School District property. These facilities will not open until the county reaches green status.
Park visitors are asked to notify their local police department if they see more than 25 people using facilities by contacting their non-emergency number.
“Centre Region Parks and Recreation, along with municipal officials, remind everyone to keep practicing social distancing and good hygiene during this time,” reads a release. “Besides bringing water with you to the parks, please bring hand sanitizer or non-toxic wipes for small children for or after play, or plan to utilize the restrooms for hand-washing needs.”
The Park Forest and Welch community pools will not open until Centre County is granted green status and will operate if they can adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.
This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 1:30 PM.
