Park District COVID-19 Notices & Updates

All visitors, to any Palatine Park District facility, must always wear a face covering. The Park District is strictly following mandates and recommendations published by the CDC and the Governor’s Office. Those without a face covering will be asked to leave immediately.

Complete List of Closures & Cancellations

COVID-19 FAQ

 

 

November 19, 2020 • Restore Illinois Tier 3 Mitigations

After taking the time to carefully review the new state mandates, Palatine Park District has made the following changes to our upcoming programs, services, and facilities. These changes will go into effect Friday, November 20, 2020.

Programs

• Indoor youth and recreational sports and activities are canceled unless moving to a virtual format. You will be contacted by a staff member with more information about your canceled class(es) or provided virtual platform details.
• All indoor group fitness classes are canceled.
• Preschool is still operating in-person.
• 1:1 training sessions for fitness, sports, and gymnastics are allowed.

Outdoor Amenities

• All outdoor amenities will have a max capacity of 10 people.
  • This is for the entire amenity; this does not mean party size of 10. If there are 9 people utilizing a court or playground, only 1 other person may join.

Facilities

• Falcon Recreation Center, Clayson House Museum, and Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center are closed.
• Palatine Hills Golf Club is closed for the season.
• Community Center is open for registration assistance.
  • Mon-Fri, 7:00am-8:00pm
  • Sat & Sun, 8:00am-12:00pm
• Community Fitness Center is open with restrictions (see details).
• Birchwood Recreation Center is open for registration assistance.
  • Mon-Fri, 8:00am-12:00pm
• Health and Recreation Center at Harper College remains closed.
• Palatine Stables will be delaying the start or continuation of our Riding School group and private or semi-private lessons for the Fall/Winter session and extending the original end date. Students will be notified when Riding School Lessons are able to be resumed.

 

Please note, all these guidelines are subject to change. We will communicate as quickly as we can. We appreciate your flexibility. Please stay safe.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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 July 1, 2020 • Phone Systems Return to Normal Operations

It has come to our attention that during our rush to prepare for re-opening, we inadvertently forgot to switch our phone lines back to “normal operations”. We wish it was as easy to turn on as actually answering the phone, but we will spare you the details and promise to be better moving forward! As of July 1, our phone lines are back to normal and we promise, if you call us at 847.991.0333 and leave a voicemail, a member of our Customer Service Team will return your call. Everyone here at the Park District is eagerly awaiting the community’s safe return to recreational activities.

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June 10, 2020 • Summer Recreational Swim and Aquatic Programming Announcement

Palatine Park District would like to thank the community for being patient and flexible as we navigate these unknown times. The District has evaluated all options regarding the outdoor summer pool season and has spent countless hours working on potential solutions. That being said, we are sad to announce that the Family Aquatic Center will remain closed for the 2020 season. Due to new guidelines, provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health for Phase 3, recreational swim will not be allowed at any of our aquatic facilities. However, our staff is very excited to deliver aquatic programming at Birchwood and Eagle Pools.

Aquatic programming will start in the coming weeks and more information will be available soon. Programs such as Lap Swimming, Swim Lessons, Private Swim Lessons & Diving will be offered. The Health and Recreation Center indoor pool on the Harper College campus will remain closed throughout the summer as mandated by the college. Please check our website for the most up to date information. Staff will be issuing full refunds to all families that have purchased a 2020 Summer Pool Pass.

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May 30, 2020 • Relaxed Restrictions on Targeted Areas in Accordance with Restore Illinois Plan

Welcome to summer everyone! Unfortunately, with the continued mitigation steps necessary to stop the spread and infection of the COVID-19 virus, the summer festival, concerts, ball games and many more summer fun favorites have been mandated to be cancelled or postponed. It is not the kind of summer we wanted or expected, however with the entry into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Park District has opened or relaxed restrictions on targeted areas in accordance with the Restore Illinois Plan.

While a full suspension of operations has now been lifted, we are still very much restricted in what we can open and offer the community. Health officials are still mandating social distancing, groups no more than 10, face coverings and specific operations not permitted to be opened, like fitness centers.

The Park District has opened Palatine Hills Golf Course, tennis, pickleball, and other hard-court surfaces and spaces based on the guidance from the State. However, please be advised that open does not mean typical use and operations in these areas. Signs have been posted with the required rules that must be followed. I urge everyone to follow them at all times, otherwise we will be forced to lock and shut them down again until Phase 4.

Many facility and operations will remain closed based on what health officials are permitting. However, when permitted with the required restrictions, the Park District is and will continue to open and offer opportunities, programs, services, and facilities when we are informed that we can offer this to the community safely. Please refer to our website to get the latest information and updates of what is open and available for use as well as our limited recreational programming either outdoors or indoor. The staff continues to update our open/closed grid of park amenities and facilities, which can be viewed here. Unfortunately, no guidance to open playgrounds in Phase 3 has been received, so those will remain closed for public use and we are also awaiting guidance on swimming pools.

With public facilities, it is imperative that everyone do their responsible part and practice all guidance, rules, and mitigation steps during this pandemic. So, let us make sure to move forward not backwards and respect the community by following the rules. If we do this together, the Park District will be able to move into Phase 4 sooner and continue to open and offer more recreational opportunities for the community.

While there is some great news mentioned above, we also recognize that as we move forward things will continue to be different. We know things will not feel normal for the foreseeable future, so we are working diligently to adapt and navigate through these ever changing, challenging, and uncharted times. Things will need to be different, but that does not mean it needs to be hard. If we make smart choices now, we are confident we will return sooner rather than later. When that time comes and we can bring people together again at the Park District, we will be committed to follow and strictly adhere to the science and recommendations from our public health officials.

The Park District cannot wait until we can start hosting events and providing recreational programming for all, but we are dedicated to waiting until it is safe to do so. In the meantime, please take advantage and enjoy the parks, outdoors, and those amenities that we have opened.

We will see you soon!

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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April 28, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Extended Through May 31 with Programming Opportunities

Based upon Governor Pritzker’s announcement to extend his stay-at-home order through the end of May, we will be extending the closure of all Palatine Park District facilities through Sunday, May 31. I wanted to reach out and let you know that myself and the entire Park District staff is eagerly awaiting the day we can resume operations. Until then, we must focus on staying healthy, responsible, and optimistic.

Below are some recent updates and upcoming exceptions to the extended Suspension of Operations:

• Palatine Hills Golf Course will Open on May 1 with Operational Restrictions
• Stay and Play Virtual Online Programming for All Ages Begins May 4
• Day, Sports, and Kids Camps Delayed Until July 6

While there is some great news mentioned above, we also recognize that as we move forward things will be different. We know things will not feel normal for the foreseeable future, so we are working diligently to make adapting to these changes easier. Things will need to be different, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be hard.

If we make smart choices now, we are confident we will return sooner rather than later. When that time comes and we can bring people together again at the Park District, we will be committed to follow and strictly adhere to the science and recommendations from our public health officials.

The Park District cannot wait until we can start hosting events and providing recreational programming for all, but we are dedicated to waiting until it is safe to do so.

We will see you soon!

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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March 31, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Extended Through April 30

With the evolving developments and public health implications in the potential spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and our responsibility to the general public well-being, all access to the public with respect to programs, services, and facilities are suspended through April 30.

All Palatine Park District programs hosted at Harper College will be suspended through Friday, May 15.

All programs, performances, athletic-events, facility memberships, open gym, and programs held in school district buildings are canceled during this suspension of operations. All playgrounds, hard surface courts, the skate park, and outdoor fitness equipment are closed. In addition, the Dog Park at Plum Grove Reservoir Park, located on Harper’s campus, will be closed.

Participants and members will automatically be credited through the respective household accounts for the duration of the suspension. Credits will be processed at the end of the winter session.

Palatine Park District will be monitoring developments closely and will update our plans for resuming operations and other related details on our website, on our social media outlets, and signage at our facilities accordingly.

Please contact our Executive Director, Mike Clark at 847.496.6236 or mclark@palatineparks.org with any questions. We thank everyone for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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March 26, 2020 • Closure of Outdoor Amenities

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order to Shelter in Place and recommendations made by the CDC regarding large gatherings, the Palatine Park District has announced that all playgrounds, hard surface courts, and facilities are closed.

While parks and trails remain open, it is still not acceptable to be in large groups. Many people chose to disregard the Governor’s order and in return, the Park District has received an extraordinary amount of messages from concerned patrons about the volume of gatherings.

As a result, the Park District is taking further action to highly discourage those people who are ignoring the order by the Governor. Closed signs have been posted near all playgrounds. Playgrounds will be roped off with caution tape. Basketball rims have been covered, tennis and pickleball courts have been locked as well as the skate park. Soccer and lacrosse goals have been disassembled and our drinking fountains have been shut off and will remain off until further notice.

In order to complete these efforts and regulations, we must ask staff to leave the safety of their homes and expose themselves to surfaces that have been touched by thousands of people. Any of whom could be infected.

We are also working cooperatively with the Village and Police Department, and they are ready to assist with enforcement by dispersing people who do not follow the Governor’s order.

All that being said, we implore any of you who took part in the discouraged activity to seriously reconsider your actions. Please do not make us take the next step of closing down the community parks entirely. We want people to be able to get outside to get fresh air and go for a walk, but if this type of blatant disregard for the safety of others continues, we will be forced to do so.

On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners, the Park District Staff, and all of our loved ones, please take this seriously! Do your part to flatten the curve and save lives!

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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March 23, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Extended Through April 7

Following the new shelter in place issued by Governor Pritzker on Friday, access to the public with respect to programs, services, and facilities are suspended through Tuesday, April 7, 2020. All District playgrounds and outdoor fitness stations will be closed during this suspension. Full operations are tentatively scheduled to resume at all Palatine Park District facilities beginning Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

All Palatine Park District programs hosted at Harper College have been suspended through Sunday, April 12.

While District public parks and walking trails will remain open to the public during this suspension, it is mandated that guests follow the CDC recommendations of keeping a safe social distance. The Dog Park at Plum Grove Reservoir Park, located on the Harper College campus, will remain closed through Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

All programs, performances, athletic-events, facility memberships, open gym, and programs held in school district buildings are canceled during this suspension of operations.

Participants and members will be credited through the respective household accounts for the duration of the suspension.

Park District will continue to monitor developments closely and update plans for resuming operations and other related details on our website, on our social media outlets, and signage at our facilities accordingly.

Please contact Executive Director, Mike Clark at 847.496.6236 or mclark@palatineparks.org with any questions. We thank everyone for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District

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March 13, 2020 • Suspension of Operations Through March 30

With the evolving developments and public health implications in the potential spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and our responsibility to the general public well-being, all access to the public with respect to programs, services and facilities are suspended effective Saturday, March 14, 2020. Full operations are tentatively scheduled to resume at all Palatine Park District facilities beginning Monday, March 30, 2020.

All Palatine Park District programs hosted at Harper College will be suspended beginning Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, April 12.

All programs, performances, athletic-events, facility memberships, open gym, and programs held in school district buildings are canceled during this suspension of operations.

Participants and members will automatically be credited through the respective household accounts for the duration of the suspension. Credits will be processed at the end of the winter session.

Polling places held within park district buildings will remain open for election day on March 17, 2020.

Park District will be monitoring developments closely and will update our plans for resuming operations and other related details on our website, on our social media outlets and signage at our facilities accordingly.

Please contact Executive Director, Mike Clark at 847.496.6236 or mclark@palatineparks.org with any questions. We thank everyone for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this uncertain and unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Mike Clark
Executive Director
Palatine Park District