Community Corner
Park District: New COVID-19 Mitigations 'Will Have Minimal Impact' On Programs
Participants enrolled in the few programs that are impacted by the new Tier 2 capacity limits will be notified via email.
Downers Grove Park District continues to follow state guidelines and CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Tier 2 mitigation measures for Region 8 (DuPage County) will take effect on Wednesday, Nov. 11. This will have minimal impact on our program participants and fitness members due to the District’s vigilance and adherence to procedures and guidelines that were already established for our fall programs. Participants enrolled in the few programs that are impacted by the new Tier 2 capacity limits will be notified via email as soon as possible.
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Tier 2 procedures and guidelines for current fall programs:
- Limited class/group sizes of 10 people or less
- Facility capacity limits of lesser than 25 people or 25% capacity
- Face coverings required when not actively exercising
- Temperature screenings of staff and participants before entering a facility
- Practicing social distancing with the assistance of floor markers and protective shields in key areas and spacing fitness equipment appropriately (6 feet of distance at a minimum)
- Increasing cleaning and disinfecting routines
- Offering online registration only to minimize touchpoints
- Requiring advance reservations for visits to 4500 Fitness, the Indoor Walking Track and Downers Grove Museum
- Adhering to the DCEO All Sports Policy (no new changes since Oct. 30): https://bit.ly/335CvO7
- Adhering to the DCEO guidelines for Fitness Centers (no new changes): https://bit.ly/32uPNCJ
Ongoing changes in response to mitigation measures will be posted here at dgparks.org/news/together-again. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all do our part to keep our community safe and healthy!
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youth basketball leagues
Winter Youth Basketball
Registration for Winter Youth Basketball is postponed for the time being. Please stay tuned for more info coming soon.
Fall Youth Basketball
As you may already be aware, Governor Pritzker has moved basketball from a “Medium Risk” sport to a “High Risk” sport in regards to the state's Restore Illinois Plan. For more information on the guidelines, please visit the link below.
Due to this change, we are forced to update our Fall Youth Basketball League format to meet the guidelines. Youth Basketball can only be played at Level 1, or have only no-contact practices/trainings. Because of this change, there will be no more scrimmages for Fall Youth Basketball, only no-contact group practices and drills. An updated league format that will focus on player skill development without scrimmages will be sent to all coaches next week. More details on this updated league structure to come!
COVID-19 Social Distancing Guidelines
- We will still be following all of the COVID-19 safety guidelines sent out before.
- Please make sure you read through the guidelines and follow them thoroughly!
- We will still be able to have one parent per player watch practices from the upstairs walking track at the Recreation Center while social distancing.
MCCOLLUM PARK path
Everyone has been out and about enjoying this beautiful fall weather, which has resulted in an increase of visitation at our parks—especially McCollum Park. Due to recent increased usage of the McCollum Park path and for the safety of all visitors, bikes are temporarily prohibited on the path until further notice. The path is open to runners and walkers only. Please consider exploring another park if McCollum Park is extremely busy.
PARK DISTRICT TRAILS AND WALKING PATHS
Indoor walking track
Beginning Monday, Oct. 19: The indoor track will reopen to MEMBERS ONLY from Oct. 19 to Nov. 1. Available during members' reserved workout times. Please make an online reservation at picktime.com/4500fitness.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2: The indoor track will reopen to the community (non-members in addition to members). Non-member track users must make an online reservation at picktime.com/4500fitness. Members may use the track during their reserved workout time, unless it is during a community time. The track schedule is posted online at dgparks.org/downers-grove-recreation-center-walking-track.
Non-member Track Users
NEW! Non-members will be required to purchase a one-time $5 membership card to use the track. Track membership cards will be available for purchase online beginning Oct. 26 at https://bit.ly/33HmVbB.
Indoor Track Guidelines
- Track capacity is 10 visitors at a time.
- No walking in pairs.
- Inside lane only. Passing is permitted on the outside lane.
- Middle lanes closed.
- Masks are required in the facility when not actively exercising.
program registration update
Please register in advance! Once a program has begun, no additional participants can be added to a class, including waitlisted participants. Instructors may not give permission for late registrations. No exceptions will be made.
sports program update
On July 29, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity released a new All Sports Policy effective August 15, 2020. This guidance under the Restore Illinois Plan pertains to all youth and adult recreational sports, including, but not limited to, school-based sports (IHSA & IESA), travel clubs, private leagues and clubs, recreational leagues and centers, and park district sports programs.
The Downers Grove Park District has restructured programs to meet the guidelines. View the new DCEO All Sports Policy at https://bit.ly/335CvO7.
We are excited to be TOGETHER AGAIN
The Downers Grove Park District is excited to announce the reopening of additional programs, services and amenities under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. We continue to modify our plans and procedures to ensure the health and safety of our participants and staff. During Phase 4, the District will adhere to guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Park District Risk Management Agency, the Illinois Association of Park Districts and CDC recommendations.
The Downers Grove Park District, like a majority of businesses and government organizations, has been significantly impacted by the financial burden caused by COVID-19. Since March 14, the District has been unable to run most recreation programs and services, which generate 40% of the District’s annual revenue. To remain fiscally responsible and maintain a balanced budget, we are carefully and thoughtfully prioritizing the use of all resources including staffing. We continue to evaluate which services and amenities we can safely provide the community following the state guidelines while utilizing reduced resources. Please know that we are eager to reopen as many amenities as quickly as possible and look forward to serving the community with quality recreation-based opportunities during Phase 4. We anticipate ongoing changes throughout this phase and will share updates on this page.
We appreciate your support and patience as our team works to adapt our operations to meet the requirements under Phase 4. Click on the categories below to learn more about our plans, procedures and visitor safety requirements.
VIEW DCEO GUIDELINES VIEW THE FAQ
Important Highlights
OPEN
Please view specific guidelines for parks, programs and facilities below
- 4500 Fitness (members only by reservation starting July 1)
- Downers Grove Golf Club
- Miner Mike's Adventure Golf (advance reservations required)
- Downers Grove Museum (Beginning Sept. 8 by reservation only)
- Lyman Woods Interpretive Center (Beginning Sept. 5 - Saturdays only from 9am to 4pm) - Trails open every day
- Playground structures
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Basketball Courts
- Soccer fields
- Disc golf
- Game areas such as horseshoes and bags
- Walking paths and trails
- Fishing
- Picnic pavilions
- Picnic tables and benches
- Athletic fields (permit required for organized groups)
- Outdoor restrooms at Whitlock Park, McCollum Park, Doerhoefer Park and Gilbert Park (cleaned twice daily)
CLOSED
- Outdoor restrooms at Hummer Park, Fishel Park and Lyman Woods
- Drinking fountains
- Administration Office
NEW FAQ
Why is the Downers Grove Park District not reopening all amenities allowed under Phase 4?
The Downers Grove Park District, like a majority of businesses and government organizations, has been significantly impacted by the financial burden caused by COVID-19. Since March 14, the District has been unable to run recreation programs and services, which generate 40% of the District’s annual revenue. To remain fiscally responsible and maintain a balanced budget, we are carefully and thoughtfully prioritizing the use of all resources including staffing. We continue to evaluate which services and amenities we can safely provide the community following the state guidelines while utilizing reduced resources. Please know that we are eager to reopen as many amenities as quickly as possible and look forward to serving the community with quality recreation-based opportunities during Phase 4. We anticipate ongoing changes throughout this phase and will share updates on this page.
Why is my neighborhood park not looking as tidy as usual?
As a result of the financial impact caused by COVID-19, our parks crew is currently operating with a significant reduction in staffing—about 30% of its usual summer workforce. Therefore, during Phase 4 you may notice a reduced standard of care in our parks. We are committed to maintaining the parks at a level that will provide safe and enjoyable recreation opportunities for the community.
During Phase 4, our priorities will focus on mowing open areas, weed control, addressing safety concerns, cleaning open restrooms and maintaining signage related to COVID-19 and state guidelines. Full-time staff from all District departments are assisting the parks crew by participating in park workdays to complete cleanup projects as needed. Priorities may evolve during Phase 4, but currently the District will not be focusing on field maintenance including ball field raking or striping and the installation of soccer nets or field striping due to staffing limitations.
Community volunteers for park projects are always welcome (while we can accommodate following state guidelines). If interested, please contact us at info@dgparks.org.
Are playgrounds (play structures) open?
YES. In accordance with the guidelines released in the Executive Order on June 26, outdoor playgrounds are now open. Social distancing is encouraged and use should be limited to groups of 50 people or less. If your favorite playground gets busy, please consider exploring one of the 23 other playgrounds in our District!
Which park amenities are open during Phase 4?
All sports-related areas such as ball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, disc golf and game areas such as bags and horseshoes are now open. In addition, fishing, paths, trails, pavilions, picnic tables, benches and select restrooms are available. Drinking fountains will remain unavailable until further notice. Please follow Phase 4 guidelines and CDC recommendations to social distance from non-household individuals.
People aren’t following the Phase 4 guidelines in the parks. Can’t the Park District do something about it?
The Downers Grove Park District is asking the community to self-regulate, be informed and follow the Phase 4 guidelines and CDC recommendations for their own safety. Currently, Phase 4 guidelines allow groups of 50 (including multiple groups of 50 with 30 feet of distance between groups). Phase 4 also allows spectator areas at 20% capacity. Organized groups reserving fields will be required to follow all guidelines and manage their players and spectators. The Downers Grove Park District does not have the resources to actively monitor our 48 parks to enforce social distancing guidelines. Again, the community should self-regulate.
Can I use the pavilions?
Yes! Pavilions are available for use by the community. Please follow Phase 4 guidelines and maintain social distance from non-household individuals. With limited resources during Phase 4, the Park District has chosen to postpone pavilion reservations temporarily and we are not accepting applications for the remainder of the year. We begin accepting residents applications for the 2021 season on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, and non-resident applications on Monday, March 1, 2021.
Are restrooms available in the parks?
In order for us to maintain the safety and sanitation requirements needed for restrooms under Phase 4, only select outdoor restrooms and port-o-lets are available. Sites available were determined by park usage and needs. Currently, outdoor restrooms at Fishel Park, Hummer Park and Lyman Woods will remain closed to the public. Outdoor restrooms at Whitlock Park, Doerhoefer Park and Gilbert Park are open (cleaned twice daily). Outdoor restrooms on north end of McCollum Park are open M-F from 12-6pm, SA from 12-8pm, SU from 12-7pm to allow for regular cleaning.
Are face coverings required?
The District continues to follow CDC recommendations and state guidelines with regard to face coverings. When outdoors, face coverings are recommended if social distancing between non-household individuals cannot be maintained. For our indoor programs and services, participants and staff are required to wear face coverings when not actively exercising (exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering).
Is the indoor walking track available?
The Indoor Track at the Recreation Center will reopen to members only on Oct. 19 and to the public on Nov. 2 by reservation only. For outdoor walking locations and maps, visit https://www.dgparks.org/trails-walking-paths.
Is open gym available?
Currently, open gym is not available due to capacity limits and staffing.
Why do Lyman Woods Interpretive Center, Downers Grove Museum and the Lincoln Center remain closed to the public?
Currently, the Lyman Woods Interpretive, the Downers Grove Museum and the Lincoln Center will remain closed to the public until further notice. This is due to reduced staffing in addition to maintaining required capacity limit while implementing summer camp. This may evolve over the coming months. Please note that the trails at Lyman Woods remain open to the public.
Are the partner pools reopening?
No. Butterfield Aquatic Center, Paradise Bay Water Park and Sea Lion Aquatic Center will remain closed for the 2020 season.
Why are you not running all programs permitted under Phase 4?
Our focus is to provide safe, enjoyable recreation experiences to the community while following Phase 4 guidelines and utilizing limited resources and staffing. Our current focus is to offer programs that adhere to the guidelines, have a high level of community interest and meet enrollment requirements. In addition, we are prioritizing programs to meet the 50% capacity limits. At this time, we are not running programs that require contact such as martial arts or gymnastics.
Program offerings will continue to evolve throughout Phase 4. For summer programs, view up-to-date program availability and registration at dgparks.org. Fall programs are anticipated to run as outlined in the Fall Recreation Guide unless guidelines change.
Where can I register for programs?
Following state recommendations, we are maintaining touchless transactions by continuing to offer online registration only at dgparks.org. Our registration team is available to assist customers with questions or concerns Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm by email at regi_staff@dgparks.org. Starting June 29, you can reach us by phone Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at 630.960.7500.
How can I receive a refund?
If you choose to withdraw from a class, a full refund will be issued when a completed Refund Request Form is submitted at least 72 hours prior to the first class meeting. Requests submitted in less than 72 hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may also self-cancel most programs through your on-line account under the My Account menu.
How do I cancel my fitness membership?
Please call us Monday to Friday from 9AM to 4PM at 630.960.7250 or email us at regi_staff@dgparks.org. Please note, memberships may be suspended for up to 4 months by emailing Luke Wyss at lwyss@dgparks.org.
This press release was produced by the Downers Grove Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
