DISTRICT FACILITIES CLOSED

Sat April 18, 2020

may 29 update:

The Downers Grove Park District is excited to announce the reopening of some programs, services and amenities under Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan. We continue to adapt our plans and procedures to ensure the health and safety of our participants and staff. During Phase 3, the District will adhere to guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Park District Risk Management Agency, the Illinois Association of Park Districts and CDC recommendations.

View the Together Again: DGPD Welcome Back Plan

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may 15 update:

Outdoor Tennis & Pickleball Courts to reopen at 9am on Saturday, May 16

After receiving a recent announcement from the State of Illinois and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Downers Grove Park District is now legally permitted to reopen Outdoor Tennis & Pickleball Courts by following restrictions and recommendations provided by the United States Tennis Association.

Please note: Push-button lights will be available at Doerhoefer and Randall Parks. Evening lighting will not be available at McCollum Park.

We ask that visitors help us to keep our outdoor tennis and pickleball courts open by adhering to the following COVID-19 Court Rules:

• All outdoor pickleball and tennis courts are restricted to SINGLES play only.
• Social distancing procedures must be practiced at all times.
• Before, during and after play, players must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from other people.
• Please be vigilant in preventing the spread of the virus by practicing good hygiene as recommended by CDC Guidelines.
• Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms as listed by the CDC Guidelines.
• Please do not enter the courts if you have any symptoms or exposure risks as listed by the CDC guidelines.
• All spectators and players waiting for a court must remain outside of the fence and are encouraged to stay in their vehicles, until a court becomes available. 
• Players should label their name on a personal ball(s) that only they will touch during play (i.e. each player enters the court with his/her owns ball(s).
• Players are encouraged to bring and use hand sanitizer, especially prior to using any push-button lights.
• Players are encouraged to place their personal items (backpacks, water bottles, etc.) at a safe distance (6 feet) from other player items to avoid any surface contact.
• The main entry gates shall be left open to prevent surface contact.
• No handshakes, paddle bumps or physical contact between players.
• All other posted tennis court rules apply.

Download the COVID-19 Court Rules

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april 28 update:

VIEW THE REGISTRATION FAQ

Recreation Programs:

• All in-person programs and events scheduled to start or run in May are cancelled. Refunds will be processed as quickly as possible and will be given in the form of a check or by credit card refund, not by credit to your RecTrac account.
• Spring Youth Soccer League and Spring Youth NFL Flag Football Leagues are cancelled and will be refunded.
• Stay tuned for virtual programs and events coming in May!

4500 Fitness:

• For memberships paid monthly: Just as we did in March and April, members will receive another free month with NO May installment billing. Monthly billing will resume once we reopen. This applies to KidZone and Group Exercise as well.
• For memberships paid in full: Your annual membership will be extended another month (three total months for March, April and May).

Downers Grove Golf Club:

• Per the Governor, the Downers Grove Golf Club will reopen with strict modifications and rules on Friday, May 1. To view the full list of modifications, rules and rates, visit downersgrovegolfclub.org/.
• Tee time reservations are available online only at downersgrovegc.teesnap.net/.

Parks & Facilities:

• Playgrounds, sports fields and courts (basketball, volleyball, tennis, disc golf, etc.) and all District facilities (except Downers Grove Golf Club) will remain closed.
• For your health and safety, it is CRUCIAL that you follow CDC recommendations for social distancing during your visit to our parks and walking paths. This means keeping a 6-foot distance from others outside of your household.
• If you are utilizing a walking path and need to pass someone, please keep a 6-foot distance between yourself and the person you are passing; use the grass if necessary.
• If parks or walking paths appear to be overly busy and social distancing is a concern, we encourage you to follow the Governor’s recommendations to wear a face covering in this public place.
• If you have concerns about individuals not adhering to the Governor’s Executive Order, please contact the Downers Grove Police Department’s non-emergency number at 630.434.5600.

 

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April 6 Update: Mowing

Spring has finally sprung and the grass at our parks is starting grow. Our parks crew will begin mowing parks this week in order to prevent substantial overgrowth during the Stay at Home Order.

Please know that the safety of our staff is a top priority. Therefore, personal protective equipment will be available to our team such as masks, gloves and disinfectant products. Small crews will maintain social distancing while at our parks and facilities and will conduct end-of-the-day disinfectant and maintenance routines to ensure that equipment is ready to go and safe for the next day. The District is following COVID-19 Operational Guidelines provided by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

We ask the community to support our team by picking up any trash you bring into the park. This includes any litter, facial tissues, latex or rubber gloves and pet waste. Please do your part in keeping the community and our staff safe from COVID-19.

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April 2 program update:

In response to Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order issued on March 31 to extend the statewide “stay at home” order through April 30, all Downers Grove Park District facilities, playgrounds, athletic fields and courts and park restrooms across the community are closed to the public through April 30 at a minimum.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

• For programs scheduled to begin in April: You will be contacted by District staff via email with an update. Classes may be canceled, rescheduled or given pro-rated refunds depending on the program.If you do not receive notification by Friday, April 10, please contact our registration team at regi_staff@dgparks.org.
• For programs beginning in May: No decision has been made regarding these programs.

FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS

• For memberships paid monthly: Just as we did in March, members will receive another free month with NO April installment billing. Monthly billing will resume once we reopen. This applies to KidZone and Group Exercise as well.
• For memberships paid in full: Your annual membership will be extended another month (two total months for March and April).

LINK BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM & PRESCHOOL PAYMENTS

• There will be no April installment billing on April 15.
• Additional information will be sent to you regarding the status of these programs.

RENTALS

All rentals scheduled to take place through April 30 have been canceled and are being refunded automatically at this time without any cancellation fees.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact us at regi_staff@dgparks.org. Our registration staff is answering emails remotely as quickly as possible.

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March 26 Golf Update:

On Thursday, March 26, we received additional clarification regarding golf course operations as it relates to the Stay at Home Order. Unfortunately, this means that the Downers Grove Golf Club and driving range will be CLOSED now through April 7 (at a minimum). The Golf Club will not be open for dog walking or any recreational use during this time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we do our best to provide updates and adhere to the guidelines set by the State of Illinois in regards to the Stay at Home Order.

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March 26 parks Update:

To the Downers Grove Community:

To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Illinois and protect our friends, neighbors and vulnerable populations, Governor Pritzker adopted a Stay at Home Order, which began on March 21, 2020. 

It is CRUCIAL that you follow CDC recommendations for social distancing due to COVID-19. This means keeping a 6-foot distance from others. We encourage you to enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation through dispersed recreation by participating in outdoor activities AWAY from others. 

According to the Stay at Home Order, parks remain open to allow folks to walk, hike or jog. Areas designed for group activities such as playgrounds, courts and sports fields are off limits. These areas do not provide the opportunity to practice social distancing.

In support of the Stay at Home Order, playgrounds throughout the community are in the process of being cordoned off with caution tape and additional signage is being added to the areas and facilities that are closed.

For your health and safety, the Village, Park District, District 58 and District 99 urge you to comply with the Stay at Home Order and avoid gathering at playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and sports fields.

Please keep in mind that every action we take as individuals during this time affects the entire community. Thank you for cooperation during these challenging times. 

 

 

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march 25 update:

DOWNERS GROVE GOLF CLUB IS REOPENING ON MARCH 26!

After receiving clarification from the Governor’s Office regarding the “stay at home” order as it relates to golf courses, the Downers Grove Golf Club will be OPEN STARTING MARCH 26 depending on weather conditions. This includes the driving range and shelter. Updated FAQ regarding "Stay at Home" order

Schedule a tee time

OPEN WITH LIMITED OPERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19
Downers Grove Golf Club is taking precautions to keep our guests safe: 

• Credit card transactions only (no cash).
• The Clubhouse will be closed (no restrooms available) including food and beverage service.
• No carts available; walking only.
• Longer tee time intervals to create increased social distancing between golfers.
• We are asking all golfers to leave the pin in the cup to limit contact.
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are available.

We are asking those who visit the Downers Grove Golf Club to practice the following recommendations provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19:
Stay home when you are sick.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• For more information, visit cdc.gov.

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March 20 Update:

Following Governor Pritzker’s statewide “stay at home” order announced today, the Downers Grove Park District plans to implement the following closures starting at 5pm Saturday, March 21, through April 7 or until Governor Pritzker has lifted the “stay at home order.”

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

• Playgrounds, courts and sports fields and other areas where group activities/sports typically occur
• Downers Grove Golf Club including the driving range
• District facilities: Lincoln Center, Recreation Center and 4500 Fitness, Downers Grove Museum, Lyman Woods Nature Center and Preserve, Administration Office
• All programs, practices and games including affiliate groups

OPEN:

• Parks and trails – please use social distancing

PLEASE NOTE:

• While our parks and trails will remain open, we ask that residents refrain from using playgrounds, sports fields and courts in order to practice social distancing.
• As stated by Governor Pritzker, we are asking residents to use their best judgement in following the “stay at home” order. We appreciate your understanding and assistance in adhering to social distancing.
• Essential services such as mowing and trash collection will continue during the closure on an as-needed basis. We ask that you help our staff by minimizing the trash left in our parks. Please, no dumping of household garbage in the parks.

ENJOY DISPERSED RECREATION

For your health and safety, it is CRUCIAL that you follow CDC recommendations for social distancing due to COVID-19. This means keeping a 6-foot distance from others. We encourage you to enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation through “dispersed recreation” by participating in outdoor activities AWAY from others. PARENTS, please communicate this to your children. For more information, visit CDC.gov.

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March 19 Update:

ENJOY DISPERSED RECREATION

The Park District would like to keep the parks and trails open for the community’s enjoyment during this unprecedented time. However, for your health and safety, it is CRUCIAL that you follow CDC recommendations for social distancing due to COVID-19. This means keeping a 6-foot distance from others and limiting group gatherings to less than 10 people. We encourage you to enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation through “dispersed recreation” by participating in outdoor activities AWAY from others. PARENTS, please communicate this to your children. For more information, visit CDC.gov.

PLEASE, NO DUMPING!

Our parks crew is working hard to continue trash pickup at our park sites. For the health and safety of our staff and residents, we ask the community to refrain from dumping household garbage at our parks sites. If you see vandalism or dumping at our park sites, please call 630.929.3136.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please stay healthy, everyone!

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MARCH 18 UPDATE:

The Park Board meeting scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, March 19, has been CANCELED. In addition, the Public Hearing on Thursday, March 19 is canceled.

ALL APRIL EVENTS ARE CANCELED

All refunds will be issued via check or back on your credit card once facilities have reopened.

• Flashlight Egg Hunt
• Adult Egg Hunt
• Road Rally
• Party in the Park: Hoopers Hollows
• Easter Candy Hunt

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March 17 Update:

The Public Hearing originally scheduled for Thursday, March 19, has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The regular Park Board Meeting scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, March 19, at the Downers Grove Village Chambers will still take place with a shortened agenda. View meeting schedule and information.

If you would like to view the March 19 meeting, we encourage you to watch the live stream online or listen to the podcast version, which will be posted a few days after the meeting. For more information, visit https://www.dgparks.org/podcasts-webcasts.

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March 16 Update:

We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding through this rapidly changing and unprecedented time. Following recommendations from public health officials to limit public gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to close MOST Downers Grove Park District facilities through Friday, March 27 (at a minimum). All recreation programs are canceled through Sunday, April 5.

The District will continue to share regular updates on the District’s website, social media and through eblasts. Once a decision has been made to reopen, it will be posted on our homepage and sent to participants and members via email.

CLOSED FACILITIES THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 27 (at a minimum):

• Downers Grove Recreation Center
• 4500 Fitness
• Lincoln Center
• Lyman Woods Nature Center
• Downers Grove Museum
• Administration Office

PROGRAM REGISTRATION:

• ALL RECREATION PROGRAMS ARE CANCELED THROUGH APRIL 5 – NO EXCEPTIONS
• If classes or programs can be rescheduled for a later date, you will be notified.
• If classes or programs cannot be rescheduled, you will be given a prorated refund. Refunds will be given in the form of a check or by credit card refund, not by credit to your RecTrac account.
• Refunds will be processed once we are back to full operations, if not sooner.
• Online registration for programs that have a start date of April 6 or later will be available online only.

OPEN FACILITIES:

• FOR VOTING ONLY! Downers Grove Recreation Center from 6am to 7pm on Tuesday, March 17
• Downers Grove Golf Club Course & Driving Range (No food, beverage or Pro Shop sales)
• Parks & Trails (No restrooms or portolets available)

STAY HAPPY & HEALTHY AT HOME

On March 17, the Downers Grove Park District will begin sharing ideas for families to stay happy and healthy at home during this challenging time. Follow our ideas for fitness and exercise, indoor and outdoor activities, crafts and projects online at dgparks.org or on our Facebook page.

VIEW FACEBOOK PAge

Our parks and trails will continue to be open for outdoor fitness and recreation, however, restrooms and portlets will be closed. Please follow CDC recommendations to practice “social distancing.” For more information and for CDC recommendations to help protect yourself against COVID-19:

VISIT CDC.GOV

THANK YOU

While the District is closed, staff will do their best to answer questions and concerns via email at regi_staff@dgparks.org. We will continue to monitor the situation and will consult with local agencies including the DuPage County Health Department to determine when we will reopen programs and facilities. We appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome visitors back to our facilities as soon as possible.

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March 13 Update:

In consultation with the Village of Downers Grove, Downers Grove School Grade District 58 and Community High School District 99 and the Downers Grove Library, the Downers Grove Park District has made the decision to cancel all recreation programs and close District facilities starting March 14 until further notice out of an abundance of caution in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We will continue to monitor the situation and will consult with local agencies including the DuPage County Health Department to determine when we will reopen programs and facilities. Updates will be posted on the District’s website, social media and sent via email. To join our email list, visit https://conta.cc/2U2vesu.

The Downers Grove Golf Club’s course and driving range will remain open, however, Clubhouse services such as food and beverage sales and the Pro Shop will not be available. The District’s outdoor parks and trails will remain open, however, restrooms will not be available. The Recreation Center will be open for voting as planned on Tuesday, March 17, from 6am to 7pm. Regularly scheduled Park Board meetings will continue as scheduled.

Once our facilities reopen, we will do our best to rescheduled missed programs. If rescheduling is not available, participants will be given a prorated refund. 4500 Fitness memberships will be extended for the amount of time that the facility is closed. District staff is working on a detailed plan for refunds and electronic fund transfers, which will be communicated to participants as soon as possible.

As you know, many of our facilities are community gathering spaces welcoming large numbers of visitors each day. The health and safety of our patrons and staff is of top priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. We look forward to inviting you back to our facilities as soon as possible.