Kansas City Parks and Recreation is working closely with the KCMO Health Department and the mayor’s office to provide a 3 Phase Re-Opening Plan.
Officials say it is “with much thought and information gathering that KC Parks releases this initial plan.” As guidance and recommendations continue to change, this plan will be continually evaluated and updated, officials say.
Phase 1: Emphasis on “Core Essential” and “Important” programs and services. Phase 1 begins the week of May 18 and KC Parks will start to implement the following:
.Three fountains will be turned on: The Spirit of Freedom, Meyer Circle Sea Horse, J.C. Nichols Memorial and (Firefighters Memorial and Northland will remain on)
.Day Camps for youth with proper safeguards at limited locations
.Fitness Facilities (Southeast and Gregg/Klice) by reservation only and with strict guidelines
.Dog Parks with social distancing guidelines
.Indoor events with <10 participants
.Outdoor events with <50 participants
.Lower contact sports (Golf/Tennis/Pickleball)
Phase 2: KC Parks will continue to monitor CDC recommendations and the City’s Phase 2. As the city begins to look at Phase 2-determining factors are: sustained declines in the average number of new daily reported Covid-19 cases, Hospital and ICU availability, Testing Capacity and the ability to trace, test and isolate individuals who are potentially exposed to the virus.
Phase 2 will include the following:
.Open Gym time at Community Centers and fitness classes
.Open Ice Skating and Lessons
Phase 3: This includes programs and services that represent a higher risk because they lend themselves to large crowds of participation and/or spectators, increased physical contact or difficulties in guaranteeing facility cleanliness due to a high volume of traffic. These programs and services would only come online once all COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted. .Permits for large events .Adult Sport Leagues and tournaments .Permanent restrooms
**Playgrounds, pools, athletic courts, shelter houses, ball fields and youth leagues will remain closed, but continue to be evaluated on a regular basis and any changes and openings will be listed at KCParks.org