After careful consideration and the current Dallas County report of record high COVID-19 daily numbers, Dallas Park and Recreation Department has determined it is in the best and safest interest of participants and staff that the following programs are cancelled for this summer season:
- Aquatics (does NOT include spraygrounds)
- 13-Recreation Summer Camps
- 10-Roving Recreation Camps (park site programming)
- 12-Outdoor Adventures (program designed to introduce youth and families to kayaking, photography, geocaching and mountain biking)
Dallas Park and Recreation Department will expand our Rec@Home Virtual Summer Camp in order to serve additional youth.
Reopening Plan
We are proposing to reopen all recreation centers on August 17th at a modified operation level: 45 hours per week and enhanced cleaning. Centers will operate at a capacity level that will be consistent with local and state orders. Staff-led programs and activities will not resume before October 1st.
We are in discussion with Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and Uplift Schools regarding our after-school program. We are hoping to provide programs on campus instead of at the recreation centers for those sites not within walking distance of our recreation centers. Currently, we are awaiting further direction from DISD and Uplift, and we do not anticipate rolling out an off-site after-school program before October 1st.
Once DISD determines the direction of their athletic programs, we will adjust our youth sports and DISD-based aquatics programs.
Today’s (7/8/20) COVID-19 update reported that an increasing proportion of cases in Dallas County are being diagnosed in young adults between 18 to 39 years of age. Increasing reports of cases are continuing to be associated with multiple large recreational and social gatherings since the beginning of June, including house parties. This statement further confirms our need to take these appropriate steps in ensuring our youth’s safety.
We continue to evaluate COVID-19 reports and determine if our operations and procedures are protecting our customers and employees to the greatest extent possible. Based on the conditions at said time, adjustments to all park amenities openings and closures will be made, as necessary.
