With Phase One of the gradual lifting of coronavirus-related restrictions underway, Batesville Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Owens (pictured above) visited with the White River Now family of radio stations this morning about reopening the majority of the city’s parks and the Batesville Community Center.
The Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park facility does have some restrictions, particularly with the pools, but Owens says with some rearranging and effective social-distancing, the center is open.
“We’re still able to serve the public, but also keep the distance at the same time,” said Owens.
The weight room is open, but the cardio equipment and exercise programs have been temporarily moved to two of the center’s basketball courts. The walking track is also open, but masks are required for distancing purposes.
The outside pool is not yet open to the public, yet plans are being discussed for reopening with a possible staggered schedule to limit the number of swimmers.
The indoor lap pool is open, but the indoor play area and therapy pool are not yet available. The locker room is also closed, so lap pool swimmers must come and leave in their swim attire (bring a towel for the ride home!)
Other highlights from White River Now’s visit with Owens:
- The walking trails are open as long as the six-foot distancing guideline is followed.
- The golf course, the golf course pro shop, and the Farmers Market are open.
- The North Complex is open for practices by reservation, but no games are allowed yet. Fields will be open for casual play without a reservation.
- All playgrounds in the city parks are closed.
- And the soccer fields are still closed.
Listen to the complete interview with Owens below.
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