Safety Updates Guide Reopening Plans for Willamalane

Some fitness and camp programs reopen this June

SPRINGFIELD – Teams at Willamalane have been working hard behind the scenes to reopen programs and facilities, with some programs reopening as early as June 1. The Springfield park and recreation district is implementing comprehensive sanitation and physical distancing measures throughout buildings and modifying programs to welcome the community back to a safe, fun environment.

“Although we all are eager to start the reopening process, we take our responsibility to support our community’s health by providing access to essential services like childcare and wellness opportunities. But, we have to do it safely as possible. We are modifying our facilities and programs to give staff and patrons the best, safest experience possible,” said Michael Wargo, Willamalane Superintendent.

Summer camps are a highly anticipated Willamalane program each year. This year, registration for camps will open on June 3 for camps beginning June 15. More details are available at Willamalane.org/Camps.

“All summer camps will look different this year as we align our programs with current public safety recommendations to keep campers and staff safe,” said Ryan Taxara, Willamalane Early Childhood & Youth Program Manager. “We are making the right modifications to keep our programs running and our community safe all while providing a great experience for kids this summer.”

Fitness programs will also reopen in early June. The fitness center at Bob Keefer Center will open on June 1 with significant modifications that include increased space between machines, registering in advance for blocks of time, and increased sanitation practices. The group exercise classes will reopen beginning June 3. The district is taking several precautions to ensure physical distancing and increased sanitation in classes. More details are available at Willamalane.org/FitnessCenter.

More about the safety modifications and recommendations, including face covering policies, are available atWillamalane.org/Safety.

For community members not ready to come back to Willamalane facilities, online recreation opportunities will still be available. Willamalane has at-home fitness activities, activities for families at home, virtual park activities, and a list of open parks and trails. All facility and program updates will be available online as well. 

Willamalane looks forward to reconnecting with the Springfield community in the coming weeks, and continuing its mission of “delivering exceptional parks and recreation to enrich the lives of everyone we serve.”