NOTICE OF CLOSINGS DUE TO COVID-19
Update: March 24
City park amenities are closed until further notice, and groups that do not practice distancing on city park property are prohibited. Amenity closures include basketball and other playing courts, playing fields, playgrounds, water fountains, restrooms, gazebos and any other amenity or location where social distancing is not being observed. Please note: All city trails will remain open at this time, and Walker Park restrooms will remain open.
The Parks and Recreation Department office and Yvonne Richardson Community Center are closed. Our Department is operating with some staff working from the office and others working from their home. Park Maintenance Staff are essential staff and are working their normal schedule of 7 am – 3:30 pm. Signage is posted on our front door. Please contact us by email or 479-444-3471 if you have questions.When visiting parks and trails, we are encouraging people to practice the following recommendations from the National Parks and Recreation Association:
- Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use parks and trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
- Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
- Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
- Note that trail and park users may find public restrooms closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
- Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
- Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
If parks are crowded, please visit another park site (click here to view a map of City parks and trails) or return when the park is less crowded. To help families experiencing cabin fever, park staff is developing programming, such as a sidewalk chalk art contest, that allows for social distancing. Please join our Parks and Recreation social media including Facebook and Twitter to keep informed. Follow CDC guidelines including staying home if you or a family member is sick or experiencing symptoms.
For regular updates about the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.
