Media Release: Update to Park Usage Guidelines Effective Friday, June 5, 2020

Beginning at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 5, 2020, the following areas of city-owned parks will be accessible to the public:

All open-area grassy fields
Fishing (with a valid fishing license)
Park benches
Playgrounds (play at your own risk)
Walking tracks & nature trails

All citizens who utilize these public areas do so at their own risk and must maintain a consistent six-foot distance from those who are not from the same household. Social distancing measures are highly recommended according to CDC and ADPH guidelines.

As a reminder, pools, pavilions, and splash pads continue to remain closed. Recreation centers are open for city-sanctioned day camps and remain closed to the general public. Athletic facilities are open to league-sanctioned practices and games and remain closed to the general public (further usage guidelines regarding ball fields are outlined below). The city is evaluating and planning for the safe reopening of these facilities under the guidance of the current Statewide Public Health Order, and will announce when guidelines have been put in place.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this uncertain time, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Please visit the city’s COVID-19 section of the website for the latest updates regarding Parks and Recreation, as well as other city departments and facilities.

Ball Field Use Requirements

According to the Alabama Statewide Public Health Order issued by the governor, the operator of any business, government office, or other establishment open to the public shall take reasonable steps, where practicable, to protect their customers, constituents, or other guest by:

Use of a cloth face covering while in the complex or in park areas is required. If a face covering is not being worn, temperature checks of players and coaches with a no-touch thermometer is mandatory.
Players, coaches, officials, and spectators should refrain from high fives, handshakes, and other physical contact except for extent necessary
No spectators during practice
No sharing of water coolers, drinking stations, water bottles, cups, or other drinking devices
No sharing of equipment including bats, gloves, helmets, and any other equipment by players
Use of a designated entrance and a separate, clearly designated exit to help maintain social distancing
One person in the restroom at a time; an employee to sanitize restroom after every use
Hand sanitizer stations placed inside the complex
Posted signage reminding citizens to maintain six feet of separation between such persons (except for those who share the same household); to wash hands frequently
Posted signage at play areas to remind citizens to stay home when feeling ill; participate at your own risk
Encourage parents and citizens to comply with guidelines set by the CDC and ADPH
Citizens are to play at their own risk