Covid-19

February 28th, 2022

Governor Pritzker Issued An Updated Executive Order with New Mask Mandates: With COVID-19 positivity rates continuing to decline and the majority of eligible Illinoisans vaccinated, today Governor Pritzker released an updated executive order lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. In accordance with CDC guidance, the executive order also lifts the mask requirement in K-12 schools and daycares. Masks will therefore be optional for patrons in all areas at this time.

 

January 25th, 2021

 

Lincoln Park District follows the Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines, provided by the Governor. Please follow these guidelines when using the facility.

–  Sauna and towel services are suspended at this time.
– Participants should maintain 6-10 feet of distance while exercising.
– Members should clean and sanitize equipment before and after use.
– Masks are recommended & should be worn when not exercising. (Exceptions will be made for people with medical conditions/disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering.)
– For the use of our facility, you will need to schedule your visit. Per the State of Illinois, the facility is required to operate at 50% capacity, or less, in the different areas of the facility. You must schedule your desired time for the Fit Zone, Fitness Classes, or the Sports Complex on our website under the Fit Zone tab.
– Basketball scrimmages, pick-up games, and game play are prohibited at this time.
– Those participating in pickleball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, etc. must bring their own equipment.

Thanks for your continued cooperation!

January 19th, 2021

Updates to the Park District’s most recent Guidelines:

 

1. Limited Indoor Group Fitness Classes.

2. Face coverings must be worn at all times in the facility.

3. Reservations are required, no walk-ins allowed.

4. Showers are to remain closed, Sauna remains closed.

5. Group sporting and recreational activities are limited.

6. Basketball allowed for up to 2 people per hoop.

7.  Indoor programming limited.

8. Room rentals suspended.

9. Tennis & Pickleball allowed with limited numbers.

November 19th, 2020

The Park District’s most recent Guidelines:

 

1. No indoor group fitness classes

2. Face coverings must be worn at all times in the facility

3. Reservations are required, no walk-ins allowed

4. Showers are to remain closed

5. Group sporting and recreational activities may not take place

6. No basketball or volleyball allowed

7. All indoor programming and rental of rooms is suspended

November 3rd, 2020

August 1st, 2020

The Park District follows all guidelines provided by the Governor of Illinois. The updated Phase 4 guidelines for sports are listed below.

July 6th, 2020

The Park District follows all guidelines provided by the Governor of Illinois. Phase 4 guidelines for Health & Fitness, along with Youth Sports are provided below. Please follow these guidelines when using the facility.

June 26th, 2020

NOTICE:

The Park District is excited to announce that we will be reopening our facility on June 29, 2020.

To be able to safely reopen, some new guidelines and policies have been put in place.

Facility hours will be Monday-Friday 5am-7pm.  With designated hours of 11am-1pm solely for our Active Agers to enjoy the walking track for Senior Stride. Saturday and Sunday’s hours are 6am-6pm.

For the use of our facility you will need to schedule your visit.  Per the State of Illinois, the facility is required to operate at 50% capacity, or less, in the different areas of the facility.

When entering the facility, please use the Fit Zone parking lot for all reservations made for activities in our Fit Zone. The main entry doors of the Fit Zone will be for entering only and the side door by the locker rooms will be for exiting only.

Each area is broken up to help with the physical distancing of 6-10 feet between guests. (Available on the Park District Facebook page is a video to show how to sign up for the use of the facility.)

  • 15 – Strength and Circuit area
  • 30 – Walking track/court usage
  • 10 – Group fitness classes (in the Aerobic room)
  • 16 – Spinning classes (in the Ballroom)

All reservations are on a first come first served basis and are for a 2-hour period; NO WALK-INS.

A few other guidelines that we would like to share with you are:

-Please come dressed in your workout attire.

-Members should clean and sanitize equipment before and after use.

-Participants should wear face coverings when not exercising.

(Exceptions will be made for people with medical conditions/disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering.)

You can schedule your desired time on our website under the Fitzone tab.

Reservations to use our facility will be released a week at a time, with new times becoming available on Sunday mornings.

July’s group fitness classes will stay the same as June’s. The only thing that will change is the location of these classes; class times and sizes will remain the same.

If you are looking to schedule tennis, pickleball, or reserve a court, we request that you call the facility between normal business hours (8:00am-5:00pm) to reserve your court.

Basketball  and Volleyball courts can only be used for shooting drills, and practicing alone or with members of the same household. Each participant must bring their own ball. Scrimmages, Pick-Up Games, and Game Play are prohibited at this time.

Please refrain from making consecutive (back to back on the same day) reservations so that more members and guests can have access to the facility.  If you have a duplicate reservation at the same time/day, duplicate entries will be removed.

Things that will not be in service and are suspended until further notice are:

Towel service – Sauna – Water fountains (except the new touchless bottle fountain) – Showers – checking out volleyballs, basketballs, Pickleball paddles, & pickleballs

If you do not have access to a computer to make your reservations, please contact our facility for assistance! 

June 1st, 2020

Although our indoor facility will not be open yet due to the Governor’s restrictions in phase three, we are now offering outdoor group fitness classes while following social distancing guidelines. Check out our calendar to sign up for outdoor fitness classes!

 

In addition, we have provided guidelines for health & fitness, along with youth sports.

May 18th, 2020

In light of the challenges associated with COVID-19, along with the uncertain future being predicted by experts at all levels of leadership, the Lincoln Park District has made the difficult decision to cancel the operational season of our Aquatic Center for the summer of 2020 as well as our annual Fourth of July fireworks and festivities.

 

There were several factors that went into these decisions. The Lincoln Park District Board of Commissioners lists safety, group sizing, social distancing, sanitation, and guidance from both local and state public health officials, as the main reasons behind this decision. The extensive planning required for these experiences makes it imperative that these decisions are made as soon as possible.

 

Due to a lack of clarity we would need in order to follow the guidelines of the early phases of reopening outlined by the Governor, we believe that we will not be in a position to reopen on Monday, June 1st, 2020. Until we are given a better understanding of reopening our facilities by the Governor, we are going to be required to continue to keep our doors closed to the public until further notice. Our main priority is the safety of the community, our members, and our employees.

 

As you can see, there are several reasons we do not believe the Lincoln Park District will be able to operate our Aquatic Center this season and hold our annual Fourth of July event. If you have already purchased a pool pass or received a certificate for a pool pass, we will still be honoring those in 2021.

 

As for summer programming, we are postponing registration until we get further guidance at the state level and from the Governor. As we work to adjust to our new normal, we ask that you be patient with us. These are difficult times for all, and we are trying our best to maneuver through these restrictions and guidelines. Our team has been hard at work developing new ways to reach our members and the community to provide opportunities virtually.

 

If you are a member of the Park District for our Fit Zone, your membership will be extended for the period that we are closed. Please continue to check our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified about updates in the future.

 

We appreciate your patience and if you have questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

 

Abby O’Brien

Executive Director, Lincoln Park District

April 30th, 2020

In light of the new extended stay-at-home order, the Lincoln Park District has determined that it is in the best interest of our community, members, and staff to remain closed through Sunday, May 31st, 2020 with the goal of reducing the spread of the coronavirus in our local community. We hope to reopen on Monday, June 1st, 2020 but with limitations. We will be sharing those limitations as we get closer to reopening. The phasing of reopening for our facility will rely on information from various sources but our main priority is the community and serving you, safely!

 

We have decided to cancel our youth summer softball, baseball, and tee ball leagues. Our women’s softball league will also be cancelled this summer. Taking into consideration information from the CDC and looking into the future phases of reopening America, we felt it was best to cancel our leagues for this summer. We want to keep the children, their families, and our staff safe during these times. If your child is registered for our summer softball, baseball, or tee ball program, you will be issued a refund or be able to apply that credit toward another program/membership at the Park District. We will be making phone calls in the next 7-10 business days to issue these refunds. Please be on the watch for a phone call from 217-732-8770 if you registered your child for any of these programs. We hope that you will continue to be patient with us as we prepare for these changes.

 

Our Aquatic Center and the Fourth of July Fireworks Event will be discussed in more detail at our next board meeting on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020.

 

If you’re a member of the Park District for our Fit Zone, your membership will be extended for the period of time that we are closed. We understand this is a difficult time and that these circumstances have been unforeseen. Please continue to check our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified about updates in the future.

 

We appreciate your patience during this time. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

 

Abby O’Brien

Executive Director, Lincoln Park District

March 31st, 2020

The Lincoln Park District’s mission is to focus on supporting the health and wellness of those who participate in our programs and use our facilities. In the face of the coronavirus outbreak, the Park District continues to focus on this important work.

 

In light of the stay-at-home order and restrictions on large groups or gatherings, the Lincoln Park District has determined that it is in the best interest of our community, members, and staff to stay closed through April 30, 2020, with the goal of reducing the spread of the coronavirus in our local community.

 

If your child is registered for our summer tee-ball, baseball, or softball program, you will be contacted as the league addresses the situation further. Currently, the season is to happen but possibly with a delayed start. Registration is still going on until Monday, April 13th. You can find the registration forms on our website and mail a check addressed to the Lincoln Park District to 1400 Railer Way. If you’re a member of the Park District for our Fit Zone, your membership will be extended for the period that we are closed. We understand this is a difficult time and that these circumstances were unforeseen. Other programs, activities, events, and rentals will be postponed or rescheduled. Please continue to check our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified about updates in the future.

 

We appreciate your patience during this time. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

 

Abby O’Brien

Executive Director, Lincoln Park District

March 21st, 2020

Due to the Executive Order by the Governor, all Lincoln Park District playground equipment is closed. This goes for Memorial Park, Club Exchange Park, Lehn & Fink Park, and our own at 1400 Railer Way.

 

Walking, hiking, and riding bikes is still permitted as long as individuals comply with the Social Distancing Requirements.

 

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this difficult time!

 

Abby O’Brien

Executive Director, Lincoln Park District

March 16th, 2020

To the public and members of the Lincoln Park District:

 

The Lincoln Park District’s mission is to focus on supporting the health and wellness of those who participate in our programs and use our facilities. In the face of the coronavirus outbreak, the Park District continues to focus on this important work.

 

Upon review of Governor Pritzker’s recent order regarding school closures, bars and restaurants to refrain from indoor functions and other public entities closing, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 10:00pm; the Lincoln Park District has determined that it will close all public facilities Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 until Wednesday, April 1st, 2020. We hope this will reduce the spread of the coronavirus in our local community.

 

These closures will extend to all programs, activities, leagues, fitness classes and rentals scheduled during this time frame. Programs, leagues, and events cancelled during this closure may be subject to rescheduling. Park District administrative staff will also be available to answer phone calls and email inquiries regarding these changes during regular business hours, 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday.

 

During this time, the Park District’s outdoor amenities will still be available for use. The public is encouraged to consider social distancing and good hygiene while using our parks.

 

Facility closures do not mean that the Park District won’t be busy. The Lincoln Park District’s Facebook and Instagram will be utilized as a daily resource for users who are looking for engaging activities to keep them busy during this phase of the virus containment. If you haven’t “liked” the Lincoln Park District Facebook page, or Instagram, please do so to ensure that you receive all Park District updates.

 

“The Board of Commissioners and myself are disappointed to have to close the doors of our indoor facilities temporarily, it is our hope that the early response to COVID-19 will help to limit its impact and allow us to get back to full program levels sooner. We stand committed to do whatever we can to support the health and wellness of our community and these short-term closures, along with some creative use of our social media platforms, fitness videos and alternate program ideas, we will hopefully do just that.” said Abby O’Brien, the Lincoln Park District’s Executive Director.

 

Further, while it is the Park District’s goal to limit facility and programming closures to the Governor’s time frame, the Lincoln Park District leadership recognizes that the timeline may have to extend depending on changes in the virus’ impact on our community.

 

For more information about COVID-19, please continue to check the following website:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

 

Abby O’Brien

Executive Director, Lincoln Park District

March 15th, 2020

As many of you are aware, concern over the coronavirus has resulted in public events being cancelled or postponed statewide, public school being cancelled, and bars/restaurants closing indoor facilities. Since our members and the general public are our priority, we want to state that we are taking precautions to do our part in keeping the public and our employees healthy through this difficult time.

 

 

Effective immediately, all Lincoln Park District group fitness classes, activities, and leagues are suspended until further notice.

 

 

We are monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and communicating updates as they come in. Please continue to check our social media and website for more information. 

 

 

It has been stated to the public to practice social distancing. The same goes for our facility. We hope that individuals will respect this and understand our decisions through this difficult time. We want to encourage everyone that if you do not feel well, please stay home!

 

 

Abby O’Brien

Executive Director, Lincoln Park District