FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Carrie Dittman, Centerville-Washington Park District, cdittman@cwpd.org
Subject: COVID-19 Update
CENTERVILLE, OH: Following guidelines and restrictions set by our State and Federal leaders, the Centerville-Washington Park District is working to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Park District mission includes the mandate to provide “…healthy park experiences that connect the community to the outdoors.”
To that end, we are enacting the following steps:
• Parks are open for your visits. We understand that a walk in the park, spending time in natural surroundings may help lessen the stress that many of us are experiencing.
• A skeleton maintenance staff will be on duty to ensure that the parks are clean and safe for you, but please help us keep your parks clean!
• As of March 14, all programs, reservations and gatherings have been canceled through April 6. As that date approaches, park staff will reassess to decide when activities may resume.
• The Dog Park at Oak Grove Park has been closed since March 13 due to saturated turf conditions. However, with the Federal government advising against groups of 10 or more, the dog park may remain closed. Check the website at https://www.cwpd.org/parks/oak-grove/dog-park/dog-park-closure-status/ for daily updates.
• Soccer, baseball and lacrosse fields are also closed because of wet conditions. Check the website at https://www.cwpd.org/field_status/ for conditions daily. Organized use of the sports fields is prohibited until the cancellation of all programs and activities is lifted. A small group, fewer than 10, may visit the fields if and when weather and ground conditions allow.
• Park restrooms were closed in December for the winter months. They will remain closed until further notice.
• The Park District office is closed. However, the administrative staff is working remotely. If there is an emergency in a park, call 9-1-1. For park information, please visit cwpd.org, or you may leave a voice mail by calling 937-433-5155 and follow the prompt to leave a message. Messages will be checked throughout the day. You may also contact us via email at mail@cwpd.org.
• As of March 17, playgrounds, tennis courts, pickleball courts, shelters, basketball courts in parks remain open for your use. However, please follow all the recommended hygiene guidelines to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus. Please do not use the parks and facilities for group gatherings of 10 or more. Rather, feel free to visit us with a friend or your family.
• Paths and trails remain open and people are encouraged to use them at their leisure. Again, just don’t bring a group.
If State or Federal guidelines change in regards to parks and park amenities, the Park District will amend guidelines accordingly.
We know that some of these restrictions are inconvenient. We appreciate your cooperation and compliance in this fight to limit the spread of this contagion.
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The Centerville-Washington Park District operates eight community parks, nine nature parks, and 34 neighborhood parks encompassing more than 1,000 acres in Centerville and Washington Township. For more information about the Centerville-Washington Park District, please call (937) 433-5155 or visit www.cwpd.org.