Following the direction from Governor DeSantis’ Office and executive order 20-131, the City of Lakeland will continue a phased reopening of Park spaces. All athletic fields will reopen June 8th for public use. This also includes basketball courts and shuffleboard courts. Organized leagues that utilize the fields will be required to work with the Parks & Recreation Department to obtain waivers for youth and adult sport participants. It will be the leagues’ responsibility to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations pertaining to COVID-19 safety protocols. All sport organizations must set policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all participants. Additionally, leagues will be asked to set-up handwashing stations and maintain records of waivers.
Neighborhood parks, picnic pavilions and restrooms will open to the public on June 8th. Play structures and playground equipment will remain closed until June 15th. The City of Lakeland encourages anyone utilizing high-touch areas that are open to the public such as picnic pavilions and restrooms to follow safety protocols for hygiene and disinfecting surfaces before use. The same safety protocols are strongly encouraged for playground equipment starting June 15th when playgrounds open. Restroom facilities will be cleaned and disinfected every two-hours during operating hours. Reopening public spaces requires careful planning to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Every American has been called upon to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing, disinfecting surfaces and prevention hygiene.
Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Donahay said, “I am a huge sports fan and we are eager to open athletic fields for many of youth and adult sport leagues. However, we still must be aware of the impacts of COVID-19 so along with the contract for field rental there will be additional hold-harmless agreements and waivers that must be signed.” He added, “Each sport organization will be responsible for setting up their own hand cleansing stations for participants and spectators as we go forward.” Organized sport leagues please contact the Parks Division by phone at 863-834-2233 or email ([email protected]) to obtain waivers and for any additional information regarding park facilities.