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Parklands COVID-19 Update 3.10.21

The Parklands is closely following developments and guidance regarding the ongoing pandemic. We will continue to update our response as needed.

KEY UPDATES

  • As of March 10, 2021, all playgrounds are open (Beckley Creek, Pope Lick, and Broad Run parks).
  • Before using playgrounds at The Parklands, please review the following guidelines.
    • Please do not use the playgrounds if you or your child have a fever or any symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Playground users should wear a mask or face covering and maintain at least six feet of distance between each child and adult not in the same household.
    • Playgrounds will not be cleaned and sanitized daily. Families use equipment at their own risk.
    • Crowds are strongly discouraged during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the number of people gathered makes you uncomfortable, please find an alternate playground, amenity or come back at a later time.

 

CLOSURES

  • PNC Achievement Center for Education & Interpretation in Beckley Creek Park remains closed to the public. (open to program participants and park staff ONLY)

 

VISITING THE PARKLANDS

The Parklands is open daily from dawn to dusk (unless otherwise noted). When visiting The Parklands, all guests should continue to follow CDC guidance on social distancing and healthy hand hygiene, as well as the latest recommendations from the state. Please remember:

  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Remain at least six (6) feet apart from strangers and people who are not part of your household.
  • Share the trails, and give others space.
  • Wear a mask when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • Avoid in-person social gatherings of more than 10.
  • Explore another section of the park if the trail or area you planned to visit is busy.
  • When possible, visit early or during the week to avoid peak visitation time.
  • Avoid touching handrails and benches.
  • Carry hand sanitizer to use as an additional precaution.

 

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

  • Forest Learning Lab, led by Parklands Interpretive Rangers, offers students in grades K-6 a structured day of non-traditional instruction, homework help, and outdoor exploration time. Registration for full weeks and single days is open through the week of April 30. Additional dates will be added as long as there is a need in the community. Scholarships waiving the full cost of the program are available to students who attend Title I schools. Contact Education Director Curtis Carman at ccarman@21cparks.org for more information.
  • Registration for Spring Break Hiking Camp is now open for kids in grades K-6. Each day, participants explore a new trail in Beckley Creek Park while investigating the flora and fauna that call the park home. Students in beginner group hike 2-3 miles each day; students in experienced group hike 4-5 miles each day. See full details at www.theparklands.org/events.
  • The Parklands Virtual Classroom is an online hub of fun and engaging videos and worksheets that students can watch and complete remotely. Resources are free and available for parents, teachers and individuals of all ages at www.theparklands.org/classroom.
  • Wednesday Wonders, sponsored by PNC Grow Up Great, is an interactive program designed to spark the curiosity of young children. Visit The Parklands Facebook or YouTube page every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to explore a new science wonder with a story, craft, hike or related science experiment.
  • The Park Roots speaker series will continue to be offered virtually via The Parklands Facebook page until further notice. Visit www.theparklands.org/events for details on the next virtual Park Roots event.

 

FACILITY RENTALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

  • Events booked at Gheens Foundation Lodge and Hockensmith Barn must follow the most up-to-date, Kentucky Healthy at Work requirements for Venues and Event Spaces.
  • Gatherings at our pavilions and outdoor facilities, must be in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.
  • Please contact our events team to talk through capacity, pricing, availability and the variety of options we can offer for your next event. E-mail events@21cparks.org or call 502-815-0277.
  • The Parklands is working with partners to host events for the community that are in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. To view the latest listing of upcoming virtual and in-person events at The Parklands, visit www.theparklands.org/events.

 

This is a rapidly changing situation. Visitors are encouraged to check our website before visiting in case of additional closures or changes in programming. Thank you for your patience and continued support of our donor and visitor-supported public park!

The Parklands of Floyds Fork is a visitor-supported public park, which does not receive tax dollars for annual operations. We rely on donations from individuals, families, businesses and foundations to maintain our nearly 4,000-acre park system. To become a Parklands Member, supporting maintenance and annual operations of our park, please visit www.theparklands.org/member.