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Press Release

Parklands COVID-19 Update 5.5.21

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

KEY UPDATES

  • All playgrounds and spraygrounds in The Parklands are now open.
  • Before using playgrounds and spraygrounds at The Parklands, please read and follow the guidelines posted at the playground entrances.
    • Please do not use equipment 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. Sprayground users should wear masks when not in the water.
    • Equipment is not 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, sprayground, and amenity, or come back at a later time.
  • Drinking fountains are on throughout The Parklands. Use the bottom spigot to fill bottles and bowls.

 

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

Safety tips to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Stay home if you are sick or symptomatic.
  • 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.
  • Masks are not required at outdoor gatherings of less than 1,000, but they are recommended when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • Wear a mask when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • If a trail or area is crowded, find another space to enjoy.
  • When possible, visit in the early morning, late evening (before sunset) or on weekdays 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 is open for dates through May. 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.
  • 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 theparklands.org/classroom.
  • Virtual Wednesday Wonders, sponsored by PNC Grow Up Great, is an interactive program designed to spark the curiosity of young children. Visit The Parklands Facebookor 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 theparklands.org/events for details on the next virtual Park Roots event.

 

FACILITY RENTALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

  • Events booked at the Gheens Foundation Lodge and Hockensmith Barn must follow the most up-to-date, Kentucky Healthy at Work requirements for Venues and Event Spaces.
  • During indoor events, The Parklands events team is making the necessary adjustments and taking safety precautions, including implementing updated PPE and sanitation procedures for staff, as well as adjusting seating and layout options to adhere to the latest social distancing guidelines.
  • We are now accepting reservations for our outdoor pavilions.
  • Please contact our events team to talk through capacity, pricing, availability and the variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available 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 the latest COVID-19 guidelines. To view the latest listing of upcoming virtual and in-person events at The Parklands, visit theparklands.org/events.

 

MEMBERSHIP & FUNDRAISING EVENTS

  • The Park Roots speaker series will continue to be offered virtually via The Parklands Facebook page until further notice. Visit theparklands.org/events for details on the next virtual Park Roots event. To become a Parklands Member for access to future exclusive hikes and programs, please visit www.theparklands.org/member.
  • The Parklands 5K Walk & Run, presented by Enchanting Adventure Travels, is scheduled for Saturday, June 12. Funds raised support maintenance and operations of The Parklands. We are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to host an in-person event. In the event we need to shift to a virtual event, we will notify registrants prior to race day. Learn more and register at theparklands.org/5k.

 

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.