Play Safe, Live Smart: Columbus Recreation and Parks Update
COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department continues to play an essential role in keeping residents safe and healthy to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It’s important that residents continue to have opportunities to play safely with an emphasis on public health. We place a high value on meeting the needs of Columbus families, and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is a critical resource for serving residents of all ages,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.
For Columbus Recreation and Parks, providing innovative and creative programs for kids and families remains a top priority. Play Safe, Live Smart provides an important platform for accomplishing this safely.
“We know residents are anxious to access our programs and facilities, and Columbus Recreation and Parks is working hard to adapt our program offerings and prepare our facilities to ensure the safety of residents and our staff,” said Paul Rakosky, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks. “It’s critical we take a careful, deliberate approach to ensure we can deliver quality programing, safely.”
Below are updates on the status of Columbus Recreation and Parks programs and facilities as of May 1, 2020:
- The department is evaluating summer programs, camps and classes to best meet the needs of residents while adapting to the most up-to-date social distancing guidelines. Currently, the start dates for summer programs, camps and classes are to be determined.
- The department is the largest summer food provider in the state of Ohio and continues to work with key partners across the city to ensure the essential need of providing healthy and nutritious meals to kids under age 18 this summer will continue during this challenging time. The summer meal program, commonly known as Go Lunch!, will continue.
- Beginning May 12, 2020, the department will reopen city golf courses in anticipation of seasonal play. Additionally, the department will continue installing marinas and docks for recreational access to the city’s waterways. It is important all residents follow social distancing guidelines and wear cloth masks or face coverings while participating in recreational activities if possible.
- Columbus parks and trails will remain open. At this time, all community centers will remain closed until further notice. Additionally, all public playgrounds, sports courts and public recreational equipment are closed. This includes recreational equipment like outdoor exercise gyms, basketball courts, picnic tables and sporting equipment.
Columbus Recreation and Parks remains focused on connecting residents to nature, wellness and creativity, and will adjust programming and resources to ensure it aligns with the health and safety recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and Columbus Public Health.
For additional resources and information about COVID-19, visit Columbus Public Health, Ohio Department of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, Ohio residents with specific questions related to COVID-19 can also call 833-4-ASK-ODH (833-427-5634). For a full list of department-related updates and closures, visit columbus.gov/RecParksCOVID19.