THE SPLASH!
Wrangell Parks & Recreation's Newsletter
To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.
~ John Muir
WE ARE RE-OPENING!
We've certainly missed our community, which is why we are very excited to re-open our doors on Monday, June 1st - with access to the weight room, cardio equipment and racquetball court. There will be limits to the number of persons allowed in the facility at one time.
Please read below for a quick overview of the current P&R mitigation plan. Parks & Rec life will look a bit different, but our TEAM is ready to get back to it, ensuring that our patrons have an enjoyable, safe experience. Click the link below for our full COVID-19 Safety Mitigation Plan.
- Access by appointment or on demand
- Monday-Friday 6:00am-1:30pm & 3:30pm-7:30pm
- Saturdays 10:00am-2:30pm
- The facility hours will be limited to patrons 55yrs or older between 9:00am-11:00am, Monday-Friday
DOCUMENTATION:
- To enable contact tracing, employees will keep a log of each interaction with members of the public. This log may be public record subject to disclosure in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska and the City and Borough of Wrangell.
SOCIAL DISTANCING:
- Enter and exit on the right facing side of double door entry
- Patrons must remain at least 6ft from other users and employees
- Floor markings will indicate distance between public and staff
SCREENING and ACCESS:
- Patrons should arrive wearing their workout-active gear
- Bring your own towel
- Persons with symptoms consistent with COVID19 may not enter premises
- If patron has traveled to the lower 48 or internationally within the past 14 days, they must vacate the premise
OFFICE and LOBBY:
- If possible, P&R business shall be conducted via telephone or online
- Gathering in the lobby will be strictly prohibited
- Cashless and receipt-less transaction will be completed wherever possible
- Drinking fountains will not be accessible
LOCKER ROOMS:
- Locker rooms are closed to public access
WEIGHT ROOM + CARDIO EQUIPMENT + RACQUETBALL
OPENING ON MONDAY, JUNE 1st
- Capacity will be limited to 3 people
- 30 minute max time limit
- Users must wipe down ALL equipment after use
- Remain a minimum of 6 ft apart
CARDIO:
- There are two cardio areas within the facility
- Equipment has been staged to allow for proper social distancing
- Capacity may be limited based on demand
- 30 minute max time limit
- Users must wipe down ALL equipment after use
- Remain a minimum of 6 ft apart
RACQUETBALL COURT:
- Available by reservation
- Capacity will be limited to 2 people unless from the same household
- Wallyball is not permitted at this time
- 30 minute maximum
- Users must wipe down door handles and tile bench
AQUATICS
SWIMMING:
- Lap Swimming only
- One swimmer per lane
- Rest at opposite ends of the pool
- Locker rooms are closed to general public
- Wear your suit to and from pool
- Bring your own towel
- No Open Swims or Swim Lessons at this time
- Private pool use is currently unavailable
Summer Program Public Notice
The Wrangell Parks and Recreation department has a deep appreciation for how our recreation programs foster character, independence, a love of nature, community, sportsmanship, and respect for others. We have been anxiously awaiting information from the State regarding the reopening to determine how we are to adapt to the current environment within our recreation programs.
As many of you know the State announced Phase 3 of Reopen Alaska Responsibly on Tuesday May 19th. All businesses, houses of worship, libraries and museums, recreation activities and sports programs may open. It is the responsibility of the individuals, businesses, and organizations to minimize the spread of COVID-19, and we take our role in that effort very seriously.
Alaskans are still encouraged to continue to follow health and hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including: stay six feet apart from non-household members; wash hands frequently; sanitize and clean high touch surfaces frequently; stay home if you are sick, and get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms; wear a face covering in public places when near others; and be mindful and respectful to those Alaskans that are most vulnerable to this virus, including Alaska’s senior population and those with existing health conditions.
With the announcement of Phase 3 you may be wondering if the department plans to maintain the Summer Recreation program as you know it, with the risks associated with COVID-19 and the State’s guidelines for operation. It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that we are not offering day camps for large groups of youth this season. We understand the stressors our community has been under since early March, and our mission drives us to support you in any way that we can safely do so this summer.
We have been brainstorming a variety of alternatives since the onset of the virus. So much has changed over the past few months and we need your input to guide the next phase of our efforts. The P&R Advisory Board, Recreation Coordinator and Director held a Public Workshop to discuss summer programming. The Department presented information about the Recreation Facility and Swimming Pool opening plans and program opportunities that are intended to fill the need while staying within the capacity of the department.
Please review the slideshow presentation from the Advisory Board Public Workshop held on March 27th, 2020.
Wrangell Parks & Recreation will continue to utilize the State's Re-Open Responsibly guidelines in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please consider reviewing the specific guidelines by clicking on the link below.
We are pleased to announce that the public restrooms at City Park, Volunteer Park and Shoemaker Park are scheduled to open on Friday, May 22nd just in time for the holiday weekend. Please note that the downtown restrooms
behind the Elk's Lodge will not open until next week.
P&R Seasonal Maintenance staff will visit the restrooms daily (Monday-Friday) to disinfect and clean each site. Please exercise caution when utilizing public facilities as the risks related to COVID-19 still exist.
HAND WASHING is an absolute MUST. While the facilities will be open, we encourage folks to prepare and plan ahead to mitigate the need for using public amenities.
WORK FOR A LIVING. PLAY FOR A LIFE.
Email: recreation@wrangell.com
Website: www.wrangellrec.com
Location: 521 Church Street, Wrangell, AK, USA
Phone: 907-874-2444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrangellParksandRec/