Oswego Playgrounds Reopen As State Enters Phase 4 Amid Pandemic

OSWEGO, IL — Playgrounds around Oswego opened to the public Friday as Illinois entered the next phase of its reopening plan amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are excited for the opportunity to move to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Staff has worked to prepare increased in-person programming that adheres to the guidelines of the Restore Illinois Plan, while also ensuring an enriching participant experience," park officials said in a release.

As of Friday, playgrounds have reopened for public use. The district asks everyone to use masks, maintain social distancing between individuals, and limit gatherings to groups of 50 people or fewer. The Oswegoland Park District said it will not be cleaning or sanitizing playground equipment. Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer are strongly recommended.

In accordance with the directives under the "Revitalization" phase of the governor's Restore Illinois plan, the district has made the following changes to its operations:

• Park Pavilions are open to the public during Phase 4. Shelter reservations will be accepted beginning July 6 for groups of 50 or less with social distancing.
• When not in use for Park District programs, athletic fields, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and ballfields are open for groups of 50 or less with social distancing.
• Boulder Point is open to registered participants only at this time. South Point and Civic Center are currently closed to the public. The front office at Prairie Point Center will reopen for in-person registration from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 6.

The following safety measures and modifications will be implemented for in-person programming:

• Reduced program sizes
• Increased distancing between participants
• Minimization of shared equipment
• Enhanced cleaning protocols and staff training
• Increased hand washings and access to hand sanitizer
• Elimination of all field trips to non-district locations

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