Residents Can Beat the Winter Blues by Signing Up for Columbus Recreation and Parks Winter Programs
COLUMBUS, OH – Don’t
let the cold weather keep you at home. Beat the winter blues by staying active
and connecting with others through Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Winter
Session programs and activities.
Residents of all ages can access a range of activities,
including dance classes, sports skills and drills, arts classes and fitness
centers. Community centers will also continue to offer Active Learning Points
where students can receive assistance with and complete schoolwork. Many
activities are low- or no-cost.
“The pandemic has been stressful for everyone, impacting our
physical and mental health. I’m excited we’re able to continue offering a safe
place for the community to engage in a variety of activities,” said Paul
Rakosky, interim director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “Our
mission is to connect our community with nature, wellness and creativity, and
that’s incredibly important during this pandemic.”
The Winter Session runs Jan. 19-March 13. Beginning Jan. 4,
residents can view and register for activities online at bit.ly/CRPD-Register.
Those without internet access can register by calling or stopping by their
local community center. A list of community centers is available online at bit.ly/CRPD-CommunityCenters.
The health and safety of participants and staff is the
department’s first priority. Robust safety protocols continue to be in place,
including:
- Registration and class size are limited.
- Access to facilities is limited to registered
participants and staff, with the exception of those who are onsite for in-person
registration.
- Participants must perform daily well checks at
home. If anyone is feeling sick (cough, fever, nausea, runny nose, etc.), they
must stay home.
- Staff will perform temperature checks on
participants when they arrive.
- Face coverings must be worn at all times unless
otherwise noted.
- Social distancing–staying six feet away from
others–must be observed at all times, with an understanding of the challenges
and limitations for social distancing with very young children and individuals
with disabilities.
View the full list of COVID-19 precautions for all Columbus
Recreation and Parks Department facilities online at columbus.gov/recparkscovid19/.
“Our safety protocols have proven to be effective in the
last six months,” said Rakosky. “Because residents and staff continue to follow
these protocols diligently, we’re able to continue our programming safely.”
Parks and trails continue to serve as a safe and accessible way
to get outdoors. Although the winter weather is cold, it is important to follow
all safety protocols–practice social distancing, clean your hands often with
soap and water or hand sanitizer and stay home if you are not feeling well.