Boulder Leader

City of Boulder issued the following announcement on June 12.

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation is pleased to share that several of the community’s valued recreation services and facilities are resuming under the state’s Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors public health order.

Plans to restore additional services in a multi-phase approach also are underway.

The Parks and Recreation Department will resume services based upon public health guidance, resource availability and community priorities. Recreation operations are informed by guidance issued at the state and local level, in consultation with partners at Boulder County Public Health, and information provided by the disease experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and subject-matter experts at the National Recreation and Park Association.

“Our team has been working very hard to get services going as public health orders have permitted. We are so excited that kids can enjoy our playgrounds again, that the beautiful waters of Spruce are open, and that very soon, community members can move their bodies and fill their hearts at the recreation centers. There are protocols in place so that this can all happen safely for community members and our team,” said Parks and Recreation Director Ali Rhodes.

Under the Safer at Home and in the Vast Great Outdoors orders, the department has been able to restore opportunities for swimming, fitness, summer camps and playground fun. Operations will look a little different than they have in the past, and staff is adjusting services and protocols as guidance allows to maximize the community’s recreational and fitness opportunities.

Last weekend, the city’s outdoor Spruce Pool, located at 2101 Spruce St., opened on a reservation-only basis for individual lap-lane usage. Lanes may be reserved for a 1 hour time block (45 minutes of water time and 15 minutes for transition). Face coverings are required for any time visitors are not actively in the water, and swimmers should arrive dressed ready to swim to limit contact in restrooms/locker rooms. More information on the reservation process and what to expect on your visit can be found on the Spruce Pool website.

Today, the city posted signage at city parks providing guidance for playground usage. It is important to note that park equipment is not disinfected. Visitors should wash and/or sanitize their hands before and after the use of any playground equipment. Park-goers should also monitor capacity as playground use is limited to 25 people, and group gatherings in park space are limited to no more than 10 people. If arriving to use the playground and it is full, please wait or return later. Likewise, if visiting the playground, we ask the community to respect that others may be waiting and limit play time to about an hour. Finally, per Boulder County Public Health Order 2020-03, individuals are required to wear face coverings if they cannot maintain 6 feet of space from anyone not in their household.

On Monday, June 15, North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway, will reopen with new protocol and on a reservation-only basis for lap swimming, cardio, weight room and mind/body/movement fitness activities. Those interested may make a reservation for a 1 hour time block (45 minutes of fitness access and 15 minutes for transition). Face coverings are always required  (swimmers may remove face coverings when in the water) unless the individual has written authorization from their doctor with an exception. As lockers and locker rooms are not accessible, victors should arrive dressed in workout or swimming attire. More information on how to make a reservation and what to expect on your visit can be found on the North Boulder Recreation Center website. The city anticipates reopening East Boulder Community Center under similar protocol later this summer.

The department appreciates the community’s patience and respect for staff and one another as all become acquainted with the new protocols. Facilities will remain open as long as everyone adheres to the new protocols and as public health orders allow.

Original source can be found here.